Cecily O'Connor
RedwoodAge.com

The down economy is resulting in another casualty: family caregivers. 

Poor financial conditions are hurting the amount and quality of care the nation's 44 million family caregivers are able to provide, a survey found. Working caregivers - those who work outside the home while also tending to an elderly loved one - are under even greater stress, thanks, in part, to salary cuts and job loss.

This financial toll is adding urgency around legislation introduced earlier this year that would help to better prepare family caregivers. While "The Retooling the Healthcare Workforce for An Aging America Act" is in the early phases of deliberation, it is gaining increased support from eldercare groups.

On Thursday, the Eldercare Workforce Alliance (EWA) - a 3-month-old coalition of 28 organizations such as AARP and the National Council on Aging - said it has unanimously endorsed the act.

The legislation aims to address a nationwide shortage of healthcare professionals trained to meet older Americans' unique needs. It would also expand training for nurses, home health aides, direct-care workers and family caregivers who provide the majority of daily, hands-on care for millions of elderly individuals.

'Two Lives Affected'
Nearly 20 percent of caregivers reported a decline in the quality of care their loved ones receive as a direct result of the recession, according to a survey by Evercare, a health care coordination program, and the National Alliance on Caregiving (NAC). About 14 percent said the amount of care they have been able to provide for others has decreased. 

The survey found that 43 percent of working caregivers have experienced workplace pay cuts or a reduction in work hours. Another 15 percent have lost their jobs in the past year, which hurts their ability to continue caring for a loved one.

Additionally, 51 percent of caregivers are suffering from heightened stress over their responsibilities. Working caregivers, in particular, said they feel uncomfortable about asking for time away from work for caregiving duties.

"Caregivers are a critically important aspect of our already-burdened health care system," said Dr. Alan Sokolow, Evercare's chief medical officer. "If our caregivers are putting their own health at risk because of the economic implications of their commitment to their loved ones, we now have two lives that are affected."

A recent brief by the Commonwealth Fund shows that caregivers are twice as likely as the general population to develop multiple chronic illnesses due to increased stress and neglect of their own health care needs.

Caregivers Stimulus Plan
Beyond health concerns, caregivers also wrestle with spending woes. About a quarter are cutting back on their spending because of the downturn. More than 60 percent said they are having trouble paying for their own basic necessities like food, utilities and housing as caregiving-related expenses rise.

Some working caregivers are taking another job or working more hours to keep up with costs. Others are tapping savings to make ends meet, or moving into the same home with their loved one.

No matter the circumstances, the survey suggests a call-to-action for more programs and services to help support caregivers. 

"These are challenging economic times for all Americans, but our most vulnerable populations - including family caregivers - are facing tremendous financial and emotional hardships," said Gail Hunt, NAC president. "This survey reinforces the need for caregiver support to become a central component of health care, long-term care and social service policy reform. Our caregivers need an economic stimulus plan of their own."

Family caregivers represent a growing part of the US health care system, with an estimated annual economic value of $375 billion, according to AARP.

"Ensuring that the eldercare workforce is adequately prepared to meet the healthcare needs of the rapidly growing number of older adults in the US is an essential element of healthcare reform," said Steven Dawson, president of PHI, an alliance member and nonprofit working to improve eldercare and disability services. "We encourage the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions to incorporate the policy recommendations in this bill into its work on health care reform."

The EWA said it supports provisions in the legislation that would expand funding to geriatric education centers for training aimed at direct-care workers and family caregivers. It also is in favor of online training for informal caregivers, among other provisions.