Current:Home > MyRosalynn Carter advocated for caregivers before the term was widely used. I'm so grateful.-InfoLens
Rosalynn Carter advocated for caregivers before the term was widely used. I'm so grateful.
View Date:2025-01-09 08:22:58
It started with a story.
When asked about her lifelong commitment to improving mental health services and support for caregivers, former first lady Rosalynn Carter would share her experience on the campaign trail: Exhausted caregivers urgently reaching to grab her hand. Families pleading for resources. Americans bravely sharing their stories of hurdles and heartache.
From these anecdotes emerge a legacy marked by courage and compassion. A woman ahead of her time, fighting for caregivers before the term was even widely used.
As I join people around the world in mourning the loss of Mrs. Carter and reflecting on her life of service, I find myself thinking about the person on the other side of all her handshakes: the caregiver whose loved one was struggling with mental illness, who had no support, no resources, and who was finally seen through Mrs. Carter’s empathetic presence. Mental illness is still stigmatized today – imagine how taboo the topic was in 1976 on a presidential campaign trail.
No mere footnote as a first lady:From mental health to Camp David to the campaign trail, Rosalynn Carter made her mark
America's 53 million caregivers need support
Among the countless stories she encountered, Mrs. Carter would recount one in particular that stood out, helping compel her to greater action. In that person, whose story inspired a first lady like no other, I see my own family.
Like many of America’s 53 million caregivers, our experience supporting my brother with schizophrenia has been an arduous journey. For more than two decades, we have traveled this journey alone, from the shock of early symptoms to the angst of an uncertain diagnosis to the heavy load of navigating a health care system ill-prepared for our needs.
I’m still struck by the yawning gap between the value caregivers deliver and the scant support they receive.
After leaving my job in corporate America four years ago to become a full-time entrepreneur, caregiver and advocate, I quickly discovered the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers as a vibrant resource in an otherwise desolate landscape of caregiver support.
I participated in a series of workshops that RCI facilitated aimed at helping streamline the diverse experiences of caregiving into nine distinct stages.
Our hope is that this new approach – which moves beyond diagnosis-driven categorization to focus instead on the types of support needed at each phase of the experience – will inform policy and practice for health practitioners, employers, policymakers and organizations serving caregiver needs.
Rosalynn Carter understood that caregiving is work
Reflected in this strategy is Mrs. Carter’s understanding that caregiving is work. In fact, it is the hardest job I have ever had.
With a more accurate and nuanced representation of care experiences, we can further advance a public health approach to caregiving that meets caregivers where they are, designs more effective policies and supports, and makes it easier for them to access benefits, services and support. Because when caregivers are properly supported, they drive positive outcomes for families, communities, the economy and the health care system.
Can someone outlive their hospice stay?Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter bring needed attention to hospice care – and questions
Simply put, caregivers, like workers in any field, need appropriate training and support to ensure that their own health and well-being is protected.
By recognizing caregiving as an essential role that most people will experience at some point in their lives, we can improve policies and implement systems-level change. In addition, workplaces that are supportive of caregivers’ needs can boost productivity and retain employees who have mastered the art of problem-solving and resilience.
We can reduce stress, depression and caregiver burnout by lifting up our community of caregivers, just as Mrs. Carter called on us to do – a call inspired by the courageous stories of caregivers she encountered years ago.
Mitul Desai is a family caregiver and co-founder of The Care Hack.
veryGood! (1782)
Related
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign chancellor to step down at end of academic year
- The Best Cream Bronzers for a Natural Bronze and Vacation-Ready Glow
- Iowa sex trafficking victim who killed alleged abuser sought by authorities
- WNBA Star Angel Reese Claps Back at Criticism For Attending Met Gala Ahead of Game
- 2 weeks after Peanut the Squirrel's euthanasia, owner is seeking answers, justice
- $2 million of fentanyl was 'misdelivered' to a Maine resident. Police don't know who sent it.
- Police dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment at MIT, move to clear Philadelphia and Arizona protests
- As Extreme Weather Batters Schools, Students Are Pushing For More Climate Change Education
- Investigators believe Wisconsin kayaker faked his own death before fleeing to eastern Europe
- Police disperse protesters at several campuses, use tear gas in Tucson
Ranking
- Congress is revisiting UFOs: Here's what's happened since last hearing on extraterrestrials
- From 'The Iron Claw' to 'The Idea of You,' here are 10 movies you need to stream right now
- Father of Harmony Montgomery sentenced to 45 years to life for 5-year-old girl's murder
- Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber are expecting a baby, renew their vows
- NASCAR Championship race live updates, how to watch: Cup title on the line at Phoenix
- Post Malone, Morgan Wallen's awaited collab 'I Had Some Help' is out. Is a country album next?
- Rapper NBA YoungBoy is held on $100K bail in Utah prescription fraud case
- Colorado-based abortion fund sees rising demand. Many are from Texas, where procedure is restricted
Recommendation
-
Massive dust storm reduces visibility, causes vehicle pileup on central California highway
-
Specialty lab exec gets 10-year prison term for 11 deaths from tainted steroids in Michigan
-
Jimmy Johnson, Hall of Fame cornerback who starred for 49ers, dies at 86
-
Suspected pirate attack in the Gulf of Aden raises concerns about growing Somali piracy
-
AIT Community Introduce
-
Mom goes viral for 'Mother’s Day rules' suggesting grandmas be celebrated a different day
-
Mother's Day 2024 deals and specials for fast food, brunch and dining
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Arrive in Nigeria for 3-Day Tour