There are many “unsung heroes” in today’s world, and you could certainly agree that caregivers fit that bill. When a family member or loved one is in need, most caregivers take on that role willingly and would not trade it for any other job in the world, regardless of its extreme demands. While the types of caregiving vary based on the wide array of diseases, disabilities or special needs that such conditions require, the long-term care system is completely dependent on the informal caregiving network

Without them, no bailout of any amount could keep the system afloat. Yet in a world where people are living longer, a world where many chronic diseases (whose victims are in need of complex, comprehensive care) are on the rise, a world where the reality of increasing network shortages (from nurses to physicians to direct care workers) seem to point towards a perfect storm of titanic proportions, government and community leaders must do all they can to strengthen and sustain this crucial safety net. A quote from former First Lady Rosalynn Carter says it all: “There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers”. We are all impacted by caregiving in some way and will continue to be in the future.

The AARP Public Policy Institute just released their 2008 update to their report on the Economic Value of Caregiving and the results are staggering: in 2007, the estimated economic value of caregivers’ unpaid contributions was approximately $375 billion, up from an estimated $350 billion in 2006. That’s more than half of the $700 billion bailout package recently issued by the federal government, and, bear in mind, this is the estimated value based on a number of variables. Also remember: this is the value of their unpaid contributions. This is a stunning figure and should be cause for great concern as baby boomers age at rapid rates.

According to the report, the figure of $375 billion is based on 34 million caregivers age 18 and older providing an average of 21 hours of care per week to adults with limitations in daily activities, at an average value of $10.10 per hour. At best, it is a rough estimate that does not include caregivers under the age of 18, nor can it truly quantify the “opportunity costs” that many caregivers incur (foregone wages, loss of benefits such as health insurance, missed work time, etc.). It is nearly impossible to quantify the tremendously difficult work that caregivers do in an hourly rate of $10 per hour, and those who compiled the survey are well-aware of that. But it is clear that the majority of this group is not in this for the pay or the accolades. Their contribution to society and to preserving the dignity of their loved one in need is impossible to measure in terms of dollars and sense.

The balance of the report discusses methodology, variation among the states, just how much $375 billion really is, and the ripple effects that are a natural result of this burgeoning network under fire. We need to pay attention to this silent army and seek to support them in any way we can as they fight the frontline battles of balancing caregiving responsibilities with the demands of daily life. This is no easy task – but recall the words of Rosalynn Carter: the sobering reality is that we cannot live without needing or providing care at some time in our lives. Caregiving is a noble task, and indeed, today’s 34 million caregivers are truly unsung heroes.

- Michelle Seitzer