“Caring for others is an expression of what it means to be fully human”—Hillary Clinton
Being able to bridge the gap with strategies for better patient transitions is important in order to link care to the community. “Caregivers are the quiet backbone of our community. They give their time, their strength, and often their own well-being to support someone they love. When we care for caregivers, we strengthen entire families. At Community Memorial Healthcare, we are committed to supporting those who give so much, offering resources, connection, and compassionate programs to ensure that no caregiver has to navigate this journey alone,” according to, Maureen Hodge, LCSW, Community Memorial Director of Ambulatory Behavioral Health & Grants.
Caregivers come from all backgrounds, ages and cultures. They assist family, friends or neighbors with medical, psychological, substance use, developmental disabilities or dementia. A caregiver may be paid or unpaid and help a loved one due to illness, injury, disability or age. “It is important to remember that caregiving is not just about the elderly. It includes diverse groups of people that need support,” according to, Janice Aharon-Ezer, LMFT, Caregiver Navigator, Community Memorial Healthcare. “Caregivers are the boots on the ground part of the patient’s healthcare team.”
Caregiver Navigators at Community Memorial Healthcare provides:
- A thorough initial assessment with the caregiver
- Assistance with communication and coordination with healthcare providers
- Emotional support and help to establish a plan for caregiver self-care
- Brief supportive counseling
- Linkages to other resources within the hospital setting or in the community.
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving: ‘Caregiving in the United States 2025 Report:
- 1. 63 million Americans, nearly 1 in 4 Americans, is a family caregiver, which is a 45% increase from 2015.
- Most care recipients are older adults, nearly half are 75+, and most face multiple chronic health conditions.
- Caregivers spend an average of 27 hours per week providing care, and 24% provide 40 or mor hours a week.
- Half of all working caregivers experience impacts upon their employment.
- Nearly half of caregivers report at least one negative financial impact from their caregiving responsibility, which includes taking on debt and not saving money.
Mental and emotional costs of caregiving include: High emotional stress; Burnout & sleep loss; Isolation & dread; Physical strain; and, Increased health risks that can be costly.
According to the American Association for Retired People (AARP): “By 2030, 77 million Americans will have reached age 65 and will face growing risks of chronic ailments that make it harder to live independently.” According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “20 % of adults 45-64 expect to become family-based caregivers during their lifetime.”