Diversity Rules Magazine

Analysis Reveals How Diverse Family Care- givers of Older Adults in the United States were Impacted During the Pandemic A new report from the Diverse Elders Coali on and its members, and in partnership with the Na onal Alliance for Caregiving, calls for policies to support family caregivers in the U.S. that address systemic inequi es. Family Caregiving in Diverse Communi es: Address- ing the Needs of Diverse Family Caregivers for Older Adults focuses on understanding the lived experi- ences of family caregivers who support older adults from the DEC's cons nuent communi es, including racially and ethnically diverse people; American In- dians and Alaska Na ves; and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/ques oning (LGBTQ+) peo- ple. "The fact that lawmakers and policymakers are start- ing to recognize the important roles and needs of caregivers is a meaningful step forward for the older adults we work with," said Lauren Pongan, Na onal Director of the Diverse Elders Coali on. "It's our hope that, in cra ing caregiving-related policies, lawmak- ers will con nue to listen and be responsive to care- givers' lived experiences and perspec ves–especially racially and ethnically diverse, American Indians and Alaska Na ves, and LGBTQ+ caregivers." Based on research from the Diverse Elders Coali on, its members, and the Na onal Alliance for Caregiv- ing, this report highlights key findings from diverse caregivers for older adults throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Key themes that have emerged include a lack of resources to adequately and culturally re- sponsively address caregivers' mental health, social isola on, and financial strain. The report also high- lights protec ve factors, or the ways in which our communi es exercise resilience in spite of the pan- demic and other inequi es. Finally, we bring together recommenda ons for how to integrate these findings into the landscape of na- onal caregiving policy that is being developed, in- cluding implementa on of the Recognize, Assist, In- clude, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act. The goal of this report is to offer re- search and recommenda ons to ensure systems of services and supports for caregivers inten onally ad- dress health dispari es and systemic barriers that di- verse family caregivers for older adults face. "The pandemic has had a dispropor onate impact on diverse communi es in many ways and this analysis adds more context to how that impact has been felt by families." said Michael R. Wi ke, Vice President for Research and Advocacy at the Na onal Alliance for Caregiving. "Caregivers of older adults especially were already in a state of crisis in many instances and will s ll need a robust support system beyond the pandemic. Now is the me to establish a na on- al strategy that is aimed at addressing the needs of caregivers in a way that reduces systemic barriers." Highlights Mental Health and Social Isola on Top Challenges: Anxiety (58%) and increased isola- on (56%) Top Concern: "Taking care of myself" (56%) Desired Services: Emo onal Support (43%) Financial Strain Top Challenges: Financial Strain (35%) Top Concern: "Preparing for the future financially" (54%) Desired Services: Financial Help (43%) 4 | Diversity Rules Magazine | Jan 2022 Family Caregiving In Diverse Communities: Addressing the Needs of Diverse Family Caregivers for Older Adults Article Compliments of Diverse Elders Coalition

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