UPDATE: New York City is taking urgent steps to support its aging population and their caregivers, with a groundbreaking report set to be released this Friday. The report aims to illuminate the challenges faced by both caregivers and the older adults they support, emphasizing the critical need for resources and recognition.
For the past several years, Alexandra Widrick, a mother of three from the Upper East Side, has been juggling the demanding roles of parent and caregiver. After her father, Marty Widrick, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she found herself overwhelmed by responsibilities across different generations, leading to a profound realization of her role as a caregiver only after his passing a year ago.
“I was just a teenager… and then suddenly, I was a parent of three and caregiving for my elderly dad and mom,” Widrick recounted. Her story highlights the hidden struggles of many caregivers who often do not identify themselves as such.
A first-of-its-kind survey conducted by the Department for Aging revealed startling statistics: nearly 30% of caregivers under 60 manage the care of both older adults and minors. Furthermore, a staggering 54% of New Yorkers in this age group dedicate between 15 to over 30 hours each week to caregiving tasks. Alarmingly, over 40% of older adults providing care do not consider themselves caregivers, according to the report.
Lorraine Cortes-Vasquez, the Commissioner for the Department for Aging, emphasized the importance of recognizing these caregivers. “The earlier you identify as a caregiver, the sooner you may get support for your care recipient before it becomes a crisis,” she stated. This insight is crucial as many caregivers may not be aware of the services available to them, which can alleviate their burdens.
In practical terms, the report will outline resources that can significantly aid caregivers, such as transportation services for medical appointments, allowing them to manage their time and finances better. “You might know exactly what services and benefits are available for your parent or your aunt or your uncle. You might not know,” Cortes-Vasquez added, highlighting the gap in knowledge that the report aims to address.
The upcoming State of Older New Yorkers report is expected to provide comprehensive insights into the caregiving landscape in New York City, ultimately aiming to enhance support systems for those in need. Authorities stress that the findings will help tailor services to meet the unique needs of this demographic.
As discussions around caregiving and support continue, the implications of this report are poised to resonate beyond New York City. With an aging population across the globe, the urgency for effective caregiving support is more critical than ever.
Stay tuned for more updates as the report is released this Friday, and discover how New York City plans to take action for its older adults and their caregivers.
