Regulations

ACA Offers Help For Informal Caregivers

By Robert Sheen | July 21, 2015

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Millions Americans who provide unpaid for ill, disabled or aged family members or friends can now get help through the Act for their own physical and emotional disabilities, according to a study by the White House Conference on Aging.

Almost 18 million Americans are “informal caregivers.” They typically provide 18 to 40 a assistance without pay to chronically ill relatives or friends. They are more likely to be women (62%) and middle-aged (50% are between 45-64 years). Almost two-thirds people 65 or older rely exclusively informal , and an additional % use a mix paid and unpaid .

Informal caregivers help with eating, bathing, shopping, meal preparation, medication, visits to and other needs. They often are so focused providing that they neglect their own , says the report.

Providing this assistance can take a toll the mental or physical caregivers. They suffer from depression (13%) at twice the national rate. Two-thirds (67%) say they don’t go to the doctor because they put family needs first. Half say they don’t have to take themselves (51%) or are too tired (49%) to do so. Just over half (53%) say their has gotten worse due to caregiving, affecting their ability to provide care.

Elderly spouses who said caregiving caused an emotional strain had a 63% higher mortality rate than those whose spouses did not require care.

Because the , these informal caregivers now have access to , along with prevention and wellness services, the report noted. “Because the availability , quality , caregivers will not have to make a choice between their care and that a loved one due to financial constraints,” it said.

Caregivers can obtain in the or through , the report said. All cover benefits, pre-existing conditions, recommended preventive and more, to help informal caregivers care for their own physical and mental .  offers community-based support to assist informal caregivers.

Posted in Affordable Care Act, Legislation, Regulations

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