In this episode, Rachel Coady and Shoshawna Rainwater explore the emotional, financial, and social burdens in the current dementia caregivers role and emphasize the need for a “make-over” that could bring better awareness, support and acknowledgement culturally for caregivers. The conversation highlights innovative ideas for community engagement, workplace support, and the importance of recognizing caregiving as a shared responsibility. They also touch on the lack of positive media representation of caregiving experiences, the hope for a care-first culture and the need for better cultural narratives surrounding these experiences. They discuss the economic implications of caregiving, and the importance of community support through initiatives like memory cafes. The conversation emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in how we view caregiving, advocating for greater acknowledgment and support for family caregivers.

Takeaways

• There are nearly 12 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S.
• Caregiving is often hard, lonely, and expensive. Many caregivers feel undervalued and misunderstood.
• 83% of caregiving is done by family members and friends.
• Crisis caregiving is more supported and recognized culturally and systemically than creeping caregiving.
• Cultural shifts are needed to support caregivers better.
• Celebrating caregivers' journeys can provide much-needed support. Innovative ideas like caregiver showers can help normalize caregiving.
• Public education campaigns could foster empathy towards aging and caregiving.
• Normalizing discussions about caregiving can reduce feelings of isolation.
• Economic implications of caregiving are significant and often overlooked.
• Memory cafes provide essential community support for caregivers and those with cognitive changes.
• The Five A's framework offers practical ways to support family caregivers.
• Community engagement is crucial for improving the caregiving experience.
• Advocacy for caregivers could motivate systemic changes in support.

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