Supporting Our Caregivers

A Mediaplanet Guide to Caregiver Well-Being

Supporting Our Caregivers

Patrick & Mary Dempsey On how the Dempsey Center is helping people win their fights against cancer

Giveaway Win a chance to work with graphic artists to make a custom mask design with Bonrisu at futureofpersonalhealth. com/giveaways

Inside the humanitarian work being done

by Islamic Relief USA Former first lady Rosalynn Carter shares how she’s helping America’s caregivers

NOVEMBER 2020 | FUTUREOFPERSONALHEALTH.COM

An Independent Supplement by Mediaplanet to USA Today

What Caregiving Looks Like in a Crisis The coronavirus pandemic has complicated life for family caregivers but, as Caregiver Action Network CEO John Schall writes, the pandemic is temporary but love is forever.

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hen the going gets tough, the tough get going. It’s a good thing family caregivers are tough because the global coronavirus pandemic has thrown us all into uncharted territory. During National Family Caregivers Month this November, we’re addressing the new caregiving challenges family caregivers face during these uncertain times.

Caregiving is one of the hardest jobs you can imagine and each caregiving situation comes with a lot of stress. The coronavirus pandemic has added another layer of stress as caregivers find themselves @MEDIAPLANETUSA

dealing with a new set of challenges. The pandemic has truly put caregiving in crisis.

Caregiving in crisis Many caregivers rely on friends, family, or support groups to help them through tough times, and to fight the isolation so many caregivers feel. But due to COVID-19, many family caregivers don’t always have the help that they relied on in the past.

Teleheath has become the new reality for doctor visits.

While video appointments are convenient and minimize your loved one’s chances of coronavirus exposure, they come with their own challenges, especially for those @FUTUREOFPERSONALHEALTH

John Schall CEO, Caregiver Action Network

who are not tech savvy.

Caregiving is expensive; that’s nothing new. But with the economic downturn, family caregivers are on tighter budgets than ever.

Many are facing the dual difficulties of caregiving while finding themselves on unemployment. It’s an unenviable position with no end in sight.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t want to grow old in their own home. The decision to place a loved one in a nursing home can be one of the most difficult you will ever face. With the coronavirus recently running rampant through nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, that decision has only become harder.

Caring for caregivers Before the pandemic, family caregivers were already at higher risk for a host of physical and mental health conditions, such as depression.

Now add COVID-19 to the list and the need to take precautions to avoid getting it. Being

separated from the ones we love and care for during these scary times is trying for everyone, and we’re worse off because of it.

COVID-19 has forced us to re-calibrate just about everything. But like they always do, America’s family caregivers are adapting and bravely confronting the challenges of caregiving in crisis in these unprecedented times.

Now more than ever, we need to help family caregivers. When this is finally over, one thing will be certain: America’s family caregivers will still be lovingly providing care because this pandemic is temporary, but love is forever. n

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Publisher Sloane Ackerman Managing Director Luciana Olson Lead Designer Tiffany Pryor Designer Kayla Mendez Lead Editor Mina Fanous Copy Editor Dustin Brennan Partnerships and Distribution Manager Jordan Hernandez Director of Sales Stephanie King Director of Product Faye Godfrey Cover Photo Beth Comeau All photos are credited to Getty Images unless otherwise specified. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve USA Today.

When They Need Us Most When military families and caregivers struggle with their finances, especially during these most difficult times of the global pandemic, they know they can turn to Operation Homefront for support.

Over 90% of Operation Homefront’s expenditures go toward delivering critical financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing, and other family support services throughout the year that help military families stay strong, stable, and secure.

Join us today and help us serve our military families.

T h e y n e e d u s a n d w e n e e d YO U ! L e a r n m o r e at O p e r at i o n H o m e f r o n t. o r g 2

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How Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter Is Caring for Caregivers Rosalynn Carter, the former first lady of the United States, once said there are four types of people: those who were caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.

Through her work with the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving, she’s ensuring this valuable part of our healthcare system is protected.

How did caring for your own father and grandfather shape your views on caregiving?

When I was 12, my father was diagnosed with terminal leukemia, and our family’s world was turned upside down. My 33-year-old mother was suddenly thrust into the role of breadwinner, caring for four children, keeping house, managing our finances, and much more. She relied on me as the eldest to help her, including with tending to my father.

From watching and helping my mother, at a young age I came to know well the stress, exhaustion, loneliness, and grief of caring for a loved one.

My father died when I was 13.

His death marked the end of my childhood.

Within a year of my father’s death, my grandmother (my mother’s mother), died unexpectedly, and my grandfather moved in with us. My mother was again thrust back into the

PHOTO: US NATIONAL ARCHIVES

role of caregiver for the next 26 years! She continued to simultaneously run our house and work in the local post office. I’ve never forgotten how she — how we — struggled under the weight of long-term caregiving: not just physically and financially, but emotionally as well.”

How were you able to use your platform as the first lady to promote the need for better support for the caregiving community?

First ladies weren’t typically expected to have robust policy agendas. But I knew I had something to contribute to help all the families I had met on the campaign trail.

I wanted to do everything possible to help create a more caring society to counter the painful loneliness and sense

of helplessness that engulfed too many people.

Back then, the role of caregiver had not been defined.

In fact, little consideration was given to the toll on families taking care of those with chronic illness or disability. It was just expected.

I focused my efforts on advocating for solutions to help people preserve their independence and require less care. I used my opportunities in the Georgia Governor’s Mansion, the White House, and beyond to raise public awareness and to bring to bear the experts who could create effective solutions to improve treatment and services for those living with mental illnesses, to foster resilience and independence for children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities, and to ensure that the needs

of aging loved ones were met until the end of their lives.

There is still much work to be done, but the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI) and The Carter Center are making certain this advocacy remains in action.

How does mental health tie into the issue of caregiving?

The two are inseparable. Initially RCI focused on those supporting loved ones with mental health issues, but our scope quickly expanded to embrace all caregivers — many of whom will experience their own emotional struggles as a consequence of their efforts. There are now approximately 53 million caregivers in our country. And according to a recent AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving report on caregivers, 36

percent report that their situation is highly stressful. An additional 28 percent describe it as moderately stressful.

This data was collected before COVID-19 shut down many community respite supports, such as day programs and home health visits. RCI recently conducted its own survey on more than 400 caregivers across 46 states about how they were faring during the pandemic. The vast majority — 83 percent — reported increased stress related to caregiving since the start of the pandemic.

These statistics are alarming, especially since we believe the actual numbers to be much higher. If we do not prioritize the mental health of caregivers, our nation is at risk of experiencing the collapse of a major — and too often invisible — part of our healthcare system. n MEDIAPLANET

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Delivering Critical Support and Care to Military Families As the global pandemic has made income unsteady for many, Operation Homefront has been offering financial assistance to military families to help make ends meet.

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rmy veteran Bennie M. proudly served his country for seven years, including an Iraq deployment. He was forced to medically retire because of a condition that required a hip replacement. His wife Erika became his caregiver and watched as Bennie struggled with tasks that had once been simple, such as getting in and out of the bathtub.

Their home already needed significant repairs they could not afford. The family turned to Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit that serves America’s military families. Through the organization’s Critical Financial Assistance program, the family was able to fund their home repairs and renovations, including a new walk-in shower for her husband.

“There was a great sense of relief from my husband and me,” Erika said.

“Thanks to Operation Homefront, he was able to get his independence and pride back.”

Serving military families Founded in 2002, Operation Homefront has worked to serve America’s military families in their times of need because they have worked tirelessly to serve all Americans in our nation’s time of need.

Through a support network of partners, donors, and volunteers, Operation Homefront provides military families with relief through critical financial assistance and transitional housing programs, resiliency through permanent housing and 4

Amid the pandemic caregiver programs, and recurring This year, Operation Homefront has support through a variety of seasonseen the financial strain that the ally focused family programs. global pandemic has created across With the Critical Financial Assisthe country, and it has been devastance program, Operation Homefront tating for so many military families, helps military families and caregivers especially those who were already with mortgage payments, rent, utililiving on tight budgets, ties, car repairs, home like Retired Air Force repairs, overdue bills, Tech. Sgt. Sebastian L. groceries, and more B. and his family. to ensure short-term After serving his financial struggles do Thanks to country for 22 years, not become a series Operation Sebastian now works of chronic issues that Homefront, as an Uber driver and derail hopes for a he was able graphic designer. He brighter future. to get his was struggling with Since 2011, its Critindependence medical bills for his ical Financial Assisand pride back. daughter with special tance program has fulneeds, who was hosfilled more than 45,000 pitalized last year with requests from families, a blood cancer scare. providing nearly $30 Then the economy shut down and so million in assistance. In addition, did his income.

Operation Homefront’s Hearts of More medical issues burned Valor (Caregiver) program has more through the family’s meager savings. than 70 support groups, helping more He suffered what he feared was a than 3,800 caregivers nationwide.

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stroke. He was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy and a serious respiratory infection. Expenses kept piling up. He was behind on his mortgage and utility bills. His two teenagers needed glasses and the car needed emergency repairs.

He began thinking about what possessions he could sell just to get by but heard about Operation Homefront’s Critical Financial Assistance program. Sebastian applied and got the help he so urgently needed.

“I don’t know how to say thanks enough,” Sebastian said. “Operation Homefront took my stress level from a roller coaster ride to total relief. My house is paid up. The electricity and water are paid off, and our internet bill too, so the kids can have their schoolwork done. I don’t have any words for what that means to me.”

As the financial impact of the pandemic continues to take a major toll on military families, Operation Homefront has been able to meet the immediate needs of the families struggling to make ends meet. Since March, the organization has fulfilled more than 1,100 requests from military families impacted by the COVID19 pandemic, providing them over $750,000 in assistance.

For more information on Operation Homefront, the programs available, and eligibility requirements, or to donate, visit our website at operationhomefront.org. n This has been paid for by Operation Homefront.

PHOTO: OPERATION HOMEFRONT

Operation Homefront

How the Elizabeth Dole Foundation Is Giving Time Back to Veteran Caregivers

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF) knows your days are packed with responsibilities.

Would having an extra pair of hands help free you up to invest a little more time in yourself? Could you make it to that doctor’s appointment you’ve been meaning to get to, or sit in a park and read a book, catch up with a friend, or just take a break?

EDF knows the lack of affordable, convenient, professional respite care has always taken a significant toll on the emotional and physical well-being of caregivers across

the country. Now, due to the increased health risks and limitations created by the pandemic, we are seeing a spike in the need for short-term relief.

That’s why EDF joined forces with CareLinx, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Wounded Warrior Project, and AARP to launch Respite Relief for Military & Veteran Caregivers. Through this program, EDF is providing more than 75,000 hours of no-cost respite care services to caregivers nationwide.

Military and veteran caregivers can find all the details and apply at www.hiddenheroes.org/respite. n

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By providing more than 75,000 hours of cost-free respite care, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation is offering much-needed relief to those caring for our nation’s veterans.

Elizabeth Dole Foundation This has been paid for by Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

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The Small Business That’s Making Social Responsibility a Priority Herbert Yu was a management consultant, but his career pivoted during COVID-19. Now he’s an entrepreneur committed to giving back.

Yu’s story began in 2014 when he was a volunteer, teaching English to children in Laos. During his travels to Bangkok, he formed a friendship with a tailor who he hired to make suits and shirts for him a few times a year.

Then, in February 2020, Yu was helping a friend who works in the New York City healthcare system find personal protective equipment for nurses and doctors during the early days of the coronavirus. He reached out to his tailor friend to make masks.

It was perfect timing, as the tailor had been worried about a downturn in business.

Socially responsible Yu established an apparel line — Bonrisu. He and his team are focused on creating quality products that people need, creating economic employment opportunities and giving back.

The cotton masks, available for adults and kids, are made in Thailand. For every mask sold, Bonrisu donates a mask to Meals on Wheels, a nonprofit that feeds seniors in need. So far, they’ve donated over 10,000 reusable face masks to over 180 organizations in the United States and Canada.

Yu calls on other companies to think less about their bottom line and more about how they can impact the lives of others.

“We make masks now,” he says. “But I think really what has staying power is the idea that a business can thrive by providing employment opportunities and benefiting the community.”

Kristen Castillo ™

Explore our products and learn more about how we’re making a difference at www.bonrisu.com.

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How the Pandemic Has Affected Food Security for Millions of Seniors

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he COVID-19 pandemic is making food harder to access for seniors, raising rates of food insecurity and adding another stressor to these already difficult times.

There is an unfortunate truth about COVID-19: the older you are, the greater your risk of severe illness from the virus.

So far, 79 percent of people in the United States who have died from COVID-19 are 65 or older, and many of them had underlying health conditions and other factors threatening their health.

For millions of seniors already struggling to put food on the table, the COVID-19 pandemic is not just a health issue — it’s a food security issue.

Lack of access According to Feeding America’s “The State of Senior Hunger in America” report, 5.3 million seniors age 60 and older did not have consistent access to nutritious food in 2018. This pre-pandemic number does not consider rising unemployment and poverty rates amid COVID-19, which may push millions more seniors into food insecurity.

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Additionally, seniors have been asked to stay indoors and practice social distancing, making it that much more challenging to access nutritious food. While such measures are mandated to help halt the spread of the virus, it may prevent seniors from accessing food at food pantries, senior centers, grocery stores, and more.

Certain socioeconomic factors are also impacting some seniors more than others, especially if they: • Are racial or ethnic minorities — the food insecurity rate among Black seniors is 15.1 percent and it’s 14.8 percent for Hispanic seniors, compared to the 6.2 percent of their white counterparts • Are low-income — 29.5 percent of food insecure seniors live below the poverty line • Have a disability — 13.8 percent of food insecure seniors have a disability • Are female — more than 6 in 10 seniors facing hunger are women • Live with grandchildren — 16.2 percent of seniors in multi-generational households are food insecure, compared to 6.9 percent of seniors in households where there are no grandchildren present

No excuse No matter their circumstance, seniors should not go hungry.

To best support this population during the pandemic, the Feeding America nationwide network of 200 food banks is working closely with food pantries and meal programs to make changes to ensure the safety of visitors and the food they serve. A variety of low- or no-contact options are now available in many areas, including seniors-only hours, drive-through pantries, expanded home delivery services, and more.

If you are a senior or caregiver in need of help, you can search by zip code or state using the Feeding America Food Bank Locator, and contact the food bank that serves your area. They will give you information on free pantries and programs nearest you.

We also encourage the general public to visit feedingamerica.org and learn how they can help their neighbors facing hunger. We can all work together to fight hunger and help ensure seniors have access to the food they need to live a healthy life. n Hollie Baker-Lutz, Director of Equitable Access, Feeding America

How Islamic Relief USA Is Continuing to Offer Support to Those in Need Poverty, hunger, and homelessness are impacting millions of people around the world. For the past 27 years, Islamic Relief USA has focused intensely on alleviating these problems.

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e started from humble beginnings in a small office in California, and have grown to serve millions of people, with field offices in more than 40 countries. This was made possible through good-faith partnerships and unwavering loyalty from our supporters.

Your donations, volunteering, and engagement have made it possible for the

organization to continually expand the scope and numbers of people we can help worldwide. In addition to addressing food security, providing clean water, and creating access to healthcare and services, the organization in recent years has focused on disaster relief and rebuilding following natural crises. Our acclaimed Disaster Response Team has visited sites in North Carolina, California, Florida, Texas, and Puerto Rico, helping rebuild not only

physical structures and damaged homes, but communal faith, good will, and optimism.

Fighting the virus The present coronavirus pandemic has further strengthened the bonds with our peer organizations, as we all work collectively to assist our most vulnerable brothers and sisters. By working together, we helped thousands of people get nonperishable food, financial assistance to buy basic

necessities, and personal protective equipment like masks and hand sanitizer. As COVID19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, remains a threat, our work in distributing aid and equipment to those who are in most need remains essential.

Since its founding in 1993, Islamic Relief USA has worked hard at fulfilling its mission in conflict zones, states inundated with natural disasters, and communities that have

long suffered with various structural and economic inequities. It has been able to do this with valuable partnerships committed to strengthening the human spirit.

With that spirit in mind, Islamic Relief USA is confident that when it comes to the COVID-19 public health crisis, we will get through this together. n Sharif Aly, CEO, Islamic Relief USA

Thanksgiving Is National Family Health History Day There’s a saying that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

If we’re not careful, this can happen within families, too.

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amily members share traits, traditions, stories, and so much more. They also share a common health history. Many families share histories of mental health issues, cancer, diabetes, and countless other health concerns. We’re all part of our families, and we get the good along with the bad.

Knowing your family history of high blood pressure, heart disease, or any number of

other conditions is an important step toward taking care of yourself and providing the best care to your loved one. In many cases, unfortunately, the care you give to your loved one could be a glimpse at your own future — but that glimpse also gives you the opportunity to take steps now to prevent a similar fate.

Talking health Thanksgiving doesn’t have to only be a time to be with

family to enjoy a magnificent meal and count your blessings. Thanksgiving is National Family Health History Day. If you’ll be with family this year, you should use the opportunity to discuss your family’s shared health history. It’s a great way of looking at the past to plan for the future.

Few things happen in a bubble and chances are, whatever your loved one’s condition, if you look hard

enough, there’s probably someone else in your family who dealt with the same issue at some point.

One of the most important things you can do to function effectively as a family caregiver is to keep a comprehensive file of information about the person you are caring for.

A crucial part of that is knowing your loved one’s family medical history. A family medical history can help you take preventative steps now

to avoid more serious issues down the road.

So many conditions and diseases are passed from generation to generation, like unwanted family heirlooms.

That’s why knowing your family medical history can be such an important tool for maintaining your current health, and for your future.

Forewarned is forearmed. n John Schall, CEO, Caregiver Action Network MEDIAPLANET

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The Tech Tools That Are Making Life Easier for Caregivers Combining multiple therapies into one medical device makes caregiving easier for the caregiver and their patient. Chris Brooks, chief strategy officer of Ventec Life Systems, which makes the VOCSN critical care ventilator, explains the advantages of these integrated technologies.

How can technology make caregivers’ lives easier?

People who rely on a ventilator to breathe require multiple pieces of equipment, which is challenging for caregivers to pack, prepare, and carry, even for a short trip to visit a family member. Rethinking traditional medical device design and functionality allows caregivers to focus less on managing equipment and spend more time focused on the patient.

Integrated technology is commonplace in our daily lives — on our phone, in our cars, and in our homes. Integrated medical devices like the VOCSN multi-function portable ventilator give caregivers and patients the tools they deserve to live better lives.

What direct benefits have you seen for patients through the use of new tools and technologies?

Integrated technology doesn’t just reduce the size and weight of traditional medical equipment; it can also provide better care. Integrating five therapies into a single device like VOCSN guarantees that patients have access to therapy at all times.

What new advancements can improve the quality of life for patients and caregivers?

New technology is only helpful if patients have access. It is important for manufacturers, physicians, payers, and health systems to work together to encourage new technology, and ensure patients and caregivers are aware of, and have access to, these advancements.

As the manufacturer of the only integrated medical device, we had to work closely with public and private payers to establish a new reimbursement mechanism for patient access, as well as working with physicians to educate them about the benefits of integrated respiratory care with VOCSN. When all of these groups work together to improve care, the innovation expands and the quality of life improves for patients and caregivers.

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Helping Your Older Loved One Prevent Falls It’s a call many adult children dread: “Mom fell. She’s in the emergency room.” Sadly, 1 in 4 older adults falls each year, making falls the leading cause of injuries for people aged 65+.

But falls are not a normal part of aging and they can be prevented.

If you have an older parent, grandparent, or neighbor in your life, helping them reduce their risk of falling is a great way to keep them healthy and independent. Here are six easy steps you can take:

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Start the conversation Many older adults recognize that falling is a risk, but they believe it won’t happen to them or they won’t get hurt — even if they’ve already fallen in the past.

Begin by talking about it.

A good way to start is by taking the National Council on Aging’s Falls Free CheckUp. The online screening asks 12 simple questions, then provides a personalized falls risk score and tips to reduce your risk. It’s also available in Spanish at ncoa. o rg / C h e q u e o C o n t r a C a i d a s .

NCOA also offers a free Falls Prevention Conversation Guide for Caregivers.

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Discuss current health conditions Ask about your older loved one’s health. Falls are more common among people who have certain conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or heart disease.

Managing these conditions can prevent falls.

Is it getting more difficult for your loved one to do things they used to do easily? Encour-

age them to get their Medicare Annual Wellness Visit and speak openly with their healthcare provider about their conditions and concerns.

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Take them for an eye checkup and hearing test If your older loved one wears glasses, make sure they have a current prescription and they’re using the glasses as advised by their eye doctor.

For those already struggling with low vision, consult with a low-vision specialist for ways to make the most of their eyesight. Hearing and balance are related, so getting an annual hearing test and addressing hearing impairment are also important.

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Observe how they move If your older loved one is holding onto furniture or someone else when walking, or if they appear to have difficulty walking or rising from a chair, it might be time to see a physical therapist. A trained therapist can help improve their balance, strength, and gait through exercise. They might also suggest a cane or walker, and provide guidance on proper fit and how best to use these aids.

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Talk about medications If your older loved one is having a hard time keeping track of, or remembering to take, medicines, or is experiencing side effects, encourage them to discuss their concerns with their doctor and pharmacist.

Daytime sleepiness, dizziness,

low blood pressure, and blurry vision are common side effects linked to falls.

Also, beware of non-prescription medications that contain sleep aids — including painkillers with “PM” in their names.

They can lead to balance issues and dizziness. If your older loved one is having sleeping problems, encourage them to talk to their doctor or pharmacist about safer alternatives.

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Do a home safety assessment There are many simple and inexpensive ways to make a home safer. For professional assistance, consult an occupational therapist. Here are some examples: • Lighting: Increase lighting throughout the house, especially at the top and bottom of stairs, and in the path between the bedroom and bathroom.

• Stairs: Make sure there are two secure rails on all stairs.

• Bathrooms: Install grab bars in the tub/shower and near the toilet. For even greater safety, consider using a shower chair and hand-held shower.

• Remove trip hazards. Make sure things like shoes, newspapers, and books are not left on steps or common pathways.

Remove scatter rugs. Tape down or move electrical cords behind furniture.

Help your older loved one stay safe and independent by sharing these falls prevention tips.

Start today by visiting ncoa.org/ FallsFreeCheckUp. n Kathleen Cameron, Senior Director, Center for Healthy Aging, National Council on Aging

How Gerontologists Improve the Aging Process When it comes to improving how we live and age, gerontologists are creating the future. Pinchas Cohen, M.D., dean of the University of Southern California’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, discusses the many opportunities in this solutions-oriented field.

Why should students be excited about pursuing a career in gerontology?

Gerontology is a growing field that provides opportunities for students to pursue careers that are both meaningful and in high demand. Gerontologists can contribute to improving society while following a lucrative career path.

More people are living longer than any other time in our history. By 2050, it is predicted that 21 percent of our population will be 65 or older.

Most any industry you can think of, especially the field of technology, will want to provide products and services to this growing demographic, and the people who care for them.

Consider the potential that artificial intelligence holds for those who want to age in place. Think about what robotics can do to make every day household chores easier for older adults and their caregivers.

Virtual reality can be adapted for use in entertainment, recreation, and even therapy. Much of this technol-

ogy already exists and is already in use by older adults, but this is just the beginning.

One thing we can be sure of: There will be a role for gerontologists to advise and consult in every one of these areas, and in others that haven’t even been dreamed up yet. This diverse range of directions and the opportunity to make an impact are just part of what makes the field so exciting.

How has the landscape of the gerontology field changed within the past year?

We have seen enormous changes in many of the organizations that serve older adults. Certainly COVID-19 has

had a devastating effect in the senior community. Gerontology has responded by creating training and education related to the best responses to managing a rapidly spreading virus, and turning to research that will provide us greater insights into why this virus is particularly dangerous for older adults.

We have seen rapid advances in technologies and are watching them be applied to provide a higher quality of life to older adults, and to assist those who care for them.

We’ve also seen a big increase in government funding for research and healthcare that will benefit older adults, and in students wanting to contribute to society by helping the senior community. n

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PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE DEMPSEY FAMILY

Patrick Dempsey’s Cancer Center Offers Support to Patients and Caregivers Patrick Dempsey’s mother fought cancer for 17 years.

Her fight inspired the family to open the Dempsey Center to give back to the cancer community.

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atrick Dempsey founded the Dempsey Center in Lewiston, Maine in 2008, 11 years after his mother Amanda was first diagnosed with cancer. Dempsey, who played Dr. Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd on Grey’s Anatomy for 12 seasons, is no stranger to the medical world, but it was his sister Mary’s experience that helped the family navigate their mother’s cancer journey.

“Mary was working at the hospital where my mother was initially being treated,” Dempsey said. “She had all the information firsthand from the doctors and the nurses, and that information was 10

very helpful for us to learn what was available as far as choices.”

Mary Dempsey became the point person for the family’s understanding of treatment options.

“I’m not shy, which is a blessing, and I have a very wide, diverse medical background, so it was easy for me to start navigating once the actual news of the diagnoses settled in,” Mary said. “Being the best informed, I reached out to my colleagues — nurses, doctors, and technicians who had been through the journey or certainly had the knowledge — and they led me to the right path to find the next step.”

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Amanda was diagnosed with a granulosa cell tumor, a rare type of ovarian cancer.

“At the time, there were only 100 cases in the United States,” Mary said.

Helping others fight Witnessing the toll that cancer can take on an entire family is what inspired the Dempseys to open the Dempsey Center.

The center provides services not only for people diagnosed with cancer but also for their families.

“The center connects with everyone at some level,” Mary said. “The children, the spouses, the survivors, they still need our help. It’s about supporting the whole family.”

Patrick has used his profile to fundraise for the center, ensuring that the services provided remain free.

“A lot of our effort is to oversee and to listen to what the community needs and to develop the programs from there,” Dempsey said.

The Healing Tree One of the Dempsey Center’s programs, the Healing Tree, is specifically offered to children of those diagnosed with cancer. They also offer a mentor program that pairs recently diagnosed patients with people who have gone through treatment.

Before she passed in 2014, Amanda was an inspiring pre-

sence at the Dempsey Center.

“People looked up to Amanda because she fought hard and they wanted to be in the same position to give themselves as much possible leverage to live,” Mary said.

Even after she had passed, the memory of Amanda’s resilience during her 17-year battle with cancer resonates.

Today, the Dempsey Centers make life better for people managing the impact of cancer with locations in Lewiston, South Portland, and now a third virtual location called Dempsey Connects. All services are provided at no cost. For more information, visit www. dempseycenter.org. n Ross Elliott

How Society Can Evolve to Support Generation Caregiver Employers, policymakers, retailers, and society can no longer ignore five generations of caregivers.

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n 2020, the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP released their Caregiving in the U.S. report to define the demographics, challenges, and needs of the nation’s family caregivers. Since 2015 (when the last report was published) an additional 9.5 million have joined the ranks of family caregivers to push the number to 53 million — more than 1 in 5 Americans. Perhaps even more significant is that we can now state that five generations — from Gen Z and millennials, to Gen X, baby boomers, and even Silent Generation — are now caregiving.

The needs of family caregivers are not one-size-fits-all.

A college freshman caring for a grandparent or parent has different needs than a 78-year-old caring for their 82-year-old spouse. In addition, the diagnosis often dictates the level of care needs.

A person caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease will be in their caregiving role twice as long as other caregivers, spending more hours and

encountering more costs, as well as coping with a disease that robs their loved one of memories and communication skills, and can dramatically change behavior.

Silver linings If the coronavirus pandemic has any silver lining, it has put a bright spotlight on family caregiving and the vulnerabilities of aging loved ones.

We cannot ignore family caregivers, a group, according to AARP, that provides more than $470 billion annually in societal value based on unpaid hours of care — more than

the annual sales of Amazon or Walmart.

Very often, caregivers sacrifice their own health and wellness needs to soldier on caring for loved ones. Recent studies since the coronavirus pandemic show caregivers have increased levels of stress and anxiety and face more negative health impacts — physical and mental — than the general population.

And yet, caregivers have been overlooked, overwhelmed, and undervalued.

However, COVID may have changed the invisibility of caregivers forever.

The birth of Gen C Digital analyst David Solis coined the term “Gen C” to define a group of people with similar digital behaviors regardless of age group. Based on psychographics instead of demographics, the designation is important to marketers, particularly in the digital world of social media, internet search, and mobile technology.

As I read through the findings of this Gen C research, I was struck by the similarities in defining digital behaviors and how they applied to how caregiving should function: connectivity, collaboration,

community, creativity, communication, curation. I adopted the essence of Gen C to define the elements of caregiving in my upcoming book “The Gen C Plan: The Social Contract Between Generation Caregiver and America.”

As we experience bonus years of longevity, the importance of family caregivers will not decline but only increase. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2035, we will hit a milestone in American history — for the first time, we will have more parents over age 65 to care for than children under 18.

This new social contract between caregivers and America will require key stakeholders in society to address the vital role caregivers play.

We may long remember 2020 for the global pandemic, the presidential election, and more, but it is also the year Generation Caregiver took center stage ushering in a new era of social capital. n Sherri Snelling, Founder and CEO, Caregiving Club MEDIAPLANET

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Supporting our Nation’s Caregivers since 1974 The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology is the oldest school dedicated to aging research in the nation. We offer the most comprehensive selection of gerontology degree programs found anywhere and we are a pioneer in distance learning education. Our mission is to increase the quality of life for all older adults via research, service and education.

All our Master’s programs are available in their entirety online to distance learning students and residentially for those that are able to attend classes on campus.

We also award $500,000 to students in scholarships annually.

Master’s and Certificate Programs        

Master of Science in Gerontology (MSG) Master of Arts in Gerontology (MAG) Master of Arts in Long Term Care Administration (MALTCA) Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan, and Longevity (MSNHL) Master of Arts in Aging Services Management (MAASM) Master of Arts in Medical Gerontology (MAMG) Master of Arts in Senior Living Hospitality (MASLH) Graduate Certificate in Gerontology

PhD Programs  

Doctor of Philosophy in Gerontology Doctor of Philosophy in Biology of Aging

Both of our PhD programs are fully funded.

Home to the Family Caregiver Resource Center gero.usc.edu