New MIT Study on Elder Care Makes Recommendations to Improve Support to Caregivers

Family caregivers provide a significant portion of the care given to the elderly, according to a new study by MIT's Workplace Center. The report offers a summary of ten recommendations to expand support for caregivers in the state of Massasschusetts. The researchers point out that the plan is only a starting point of a conversation, and in order for improvement to take place there is " . . .a need for a cultural shift, a change in attitudes and social values."

Building upon a study started in 2003 that determined family caregivers exist as a "shadow workforce," the MIT Workplace Center convened a public forum in January 2007, "Who Is Caring for the Caregivers?" A panel of five geriatric health care and elder care professionals and over 160 attendees, were asked several questions about the challenges of family caregiving and how to improve supports for caregivers.

Read the complete report here (PDF).