Caregivers are a vital part of a nation, a societies, infrastructure and there a few reasons why.  First, let's define Infrastructure : the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g. buildings, roads, power supplies) needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
First, some facts to consider: 

The average cost of a 3 day hospital stay is 30K

ER on average charge about $2300 per visit

Average ALF monthly cost is 4K

Average nursing home monthly cost is about $8K

Average in-home care with an average of 44 hrs a week - the 2020 numbers show about $4400.

Average hourly pay for caregiver $12-15 

All of these numbers are very out of reach for most families.  Most, 80% of the help provided in the home, is provided by unpaid family and friends.  This lends to caregiver fatigue, stress, depression and a serious strain on their economic situation as most of them eventually leave their jobs or work less hours in order to provide care.   This often results in the gradual seeking of a higher level of care that usually starts with Assisted Living Facilities.  Insiders tip ( there may not be as much assistance provided in assisted living as you were hoping for) .  These facilities require very mobile and mostly independent residents and they are not usually able to assist with daily tasks such as dressing, that the family and resident assume will be provided. Ex: Usually, the resident must be independently mobile throughout the necessary spaces of the environment. 

Here is a list of things to consider: caregivers are a very important part of the infrastructure that this country needs to progress. 

• Without them, the ALF and nursing homes would be overloaded and they are already short-staffed
• Good caregiving minimizes hospitalizations and ER visits
• Caregivers are a vital part of preventative healthcare and should be recognized as such
• A caregiver that is paid for their role is able to continue contributing to the economy
• A paid in-home caregiver would be able to participate in society/economy with the one they are caring for which further adds to their well being, mobility, social skills
• Caregivers organize the healthcare ( MD visits, meds ) which helps to minimize healthcare error

   In the US there is a current bill (the American Jobs Plan) that is being discussed by the Republican and Democratic parties that is looking at the importance of caregivers as part of the infrastructure of this nation and how to support them.  This includes caregivers of children but the president has specifically mentioned the need to support efforts to keep the aging population supported if they desire to remain in their homes.   This is a move that is a long time coming and needs to be taken more seriously by the citizens.  

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