Of the many roles women undertake in their lifetime, the act of caregiving stands out as one of the most universal and demanding. The Institute on Aging reports that women make up roughly 75% of caregivers and typically dedicate up to 50% more time to caregiving duties compared to their male counterparts. It appears that being a woman—whether you're a daughter, daughter-in-law, distant relative, or simply a friend—often means taking on the responsibilities of caregiving with family and friends.

Caregiving comes with a host of challenging effects. Absorbing the financial costs associated with caregiving is often problematic. Time away from work for medical appointments, along with the expenses associated with medications, necessary medical equipment, and the hiring of supplementary private care to alleviate the primary caregiver's duties, can be financially overwhelming. Beyond the monetary impacts, caregiving can also lead to severe emotional and physical fatigue. And as the baby boomer population prefers to age in their own homes, the demand for more comprehensive aid and support from caregivers escalates.

Join us as we welcome Lauren Eisleben, Clinical Director at IMF Counseling. Lauren brings her extensive experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor to the “Family and Friends Groups” aimed at supporting caregivers. With her specialized knowledge in aiding those who care for individuals with chronic illnesses, mental health issues, substance use, and eating disorders, Lauren provides invaluable guidance. Her compassionate approach not only recognizes the challenges caregivers face, but she also offers empathetic, constructive advice to caregivers and those who support them.

Show notes:
To learn more about Lauren Eisleben, go to: https://imfcounseling.com/therapists/lauren-eisleben

Caregiver Support Groups: https://caringbridge.org/resources/caregiver-support-groups

The Emotional Cost of Caregiving: https://online.simmons.edu/blog/emotional-cost-of-caregiving

Caregiver Bill of Rights: https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregivers-bill-rights

Caregiving Is Crucial: How To Support Caregivers And Why It Matters So Much:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/2021/08/14/caregiving-is-crucial-how-to-support-