Wellthy’s Post

Hiring Practice Alert! Do you have younger applicants at your workplace who are also caregivers? Check out this breaking research from JH Bloomberg School of Public Health! Be aware that they might have missed out on educational activities, activities, or career-advancing networking because they were also caring for a loved one. Are your hiring processes inclusive, understanding that some have showed their value in alternative ways? Instead of being active in school to show their grit and determination, were they taking someone to the hospital, changing bed pans, feeding someone, helping manage someone's mental health breakdown, holding a loved one's hand who was experiencing pain? Are you giving young people the same career opportunities even if they are also caregivers? Let's add this to our radar when considering unconscious bias. Not all identities that hold people back are being discussed. Check out this research! Abstract: "A growing proportion of individuals adopt family caregiving roles. Family caregivers are the primary providers of long-term care in the United States ➡ yet limited federal policy supports exist, despite the known negative impacts of caregiving. ⬅ There is also limited information about the prevalence of youth/young adult caregivers and the impacts of caregiving at formative ages in the United States. Our objective is to estimate the prevalence of youth caregivers and examine the association of caregiving with educational investments.... identify and describe youth caregivers (aged 15-18) and young adult caregivers (aged 19-22) and compare them with non-caregiving peers. "We estimate that there are approximately 1,623,000 youth caregivers and 1,986,000 young adult caregivers, ➡ corresponding to 9.2% and 12.7% of these age groups, respectively. ⬅ However, there is a wide range in the estimated prevalence per year, from approximately 364,000 to 2.8 million youth caregivers and from 353,000 to 2.2 million young adult caregivers, depending on caregiver definition. "Unlike adult caregivers, we find that young men and women were nearly equally likely to provide care. ➡ We also find that non-White individuals are disproportionately represented as youth caregivers. ⬅ ➡ "Compared with non-caregiving peers, both youth and young adult caregivers are less likely to be enrolled in school and, among those enrolled in school, spend significantly less time on educational activities. Considering the association of caregiving among youth/young adults and education, policies supporting youth and young adult caregivers are critical." Thank you Katherine E M Miller, Joanna L Hart,Mateo Useche Rosania, and Norma B. Coe for uncovering novel research on this sub-population! #YoungAndCaregiving #SetForSuccess #HireCaregivers #EmployedCaregivers #YouthCaregivers #YoungAdultCaregivers

Child Caregivers and the Nurturing Care One critical determinant of the success of Nurturing Care components is the role of the child caregiver. Given their significant time investment with children, caregivers must possess the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver quality care. This is particularly crucial for professional and working mothers who rely on caregivers while they contribute to the economy. Therefore, a rigorous vetting process is essential to ensure caregivers are equipped with the relevant competencies to implement Nurturing Care components effectively. However, many mothers lack awareness of these components, leading to hiring practices that do not prioritize the requisite skills and knowledge. To ensure children receive quality care, caregivers must be not only vetted but also trained extensively in Nurturing Care. This necessitates significant investment in caregiver education and training programs to bridge the knowledge gap and ensure that caregivers can complete the caregiving triangle by providing holistic and nurturing care. This approach aligns with global recommendations on early childhood development, which emphasize the importance of caregiver training in fostering optimal child growth and development (WHO, UNICEF, & World Bank Group, 2018). Investing in the professional development of caregivers can significantly enhance the quality of care and support the overall well-being and development of children.

Of all the ways of explaining our work at Care To Play, this one is my favourite. It borrows from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University's three principles to improve outcomes for children and families. Published in 2021, the paper suggested that "the science of child development and the core capabilities of resilient adults point to a set of “design principles” that policymakers and practitioners in many different sectors can use to improve outcomes for children and families. To be maximally effective, policies and services should: 1. Support responsive relationships for children and adults 2. Strengthen core skills for planning, adapting, and achieving goals 3. Reduce sources of stress in the lives of children and families" At Care To Play, these principles guide our design. Five organisations work together at the intersection of caregiving and financial vulnerability and its effect on children’s health, learning, and overall development in the first 2,000 days of their lives. The Caregiving Pathway, led by Saajha and Rocket Learning, transforms caregiver knowledge, attitudes, and practice through in-person Parent Engagement Groups (PEGs), capacity building workshops, and contextualised digital and non-digital learning material to ensure nurturing and responsive relationships between caregivers and their children. The Social Protection Pathway, led by Indus Action and Trickle Up unlocks appropriate state-held welfare benefits and enhances caregiver livelihood opportunities to improve the family's economic resilience and mitigate the adverse impact of financial vulnerability and stress on caregivers and children. The program is closely monitored and evaluated by IDinsight to codify positive deviations and capture bright spots and insights to support scale-up. Through this model, Care To Play endeavours to foster convergence among various sectors and interventions to address both the immediate needs of caregivers and the long-term well-being of children. You can learn more about Care to Play here: https://rb.gy/1257it and read the Harvard paper here: https://rb.gy/r6qsso And if you work in this space too, or just find it interesting, let's chat! Image source: Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University (2017). Three Principles to Improve Outcomes for Children and Families. https://lnkd.in/g5aF8gPU

This article resonates deeply with me. As a former caregiver between ages 15-25, I understand the challenges of balancing personal, academic, and professional demands. Putting my career on hold was a sacrifice I made to fulfill my caregiving responsibilities. The statistics mentioned in the article highlight a 4% difference in both employment and academic pursuits between caregivers and non-caregivers during this developmental period. These years in young adulthood are crucial for the development of the self. Time spent caregiving can limit our youth's exploration of professional interests and social interactions with peers. In my career, I am dedicated to advocating for older adults and their families. My goal is to facilitate a simplified aging process, promote independence, and alleviate caregiver burden. Together, we can create a more supportive environment for caregivers and empower individuals young and old to lead fulfilling lives.

I'm truly inspired by the initiative of primary school students volunteering at aged care facilities to alleviate loneliness among the elderly. This heartwarming endeavor not only addresses the pressing issue of social isolation for our elders but also fosters empathy, understanding, and meaningful connections across generations. Research consistently underscores the profound impact of early-life connections on lifelong well-being. By engaging in volunteer activities, young individuals develop essential life skills, such as empathy, compassion, and responsibility. Through meaningful interactions with elderly residents, they gain invaluable insights, learn from shared experiences, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the importance of community and companionship. This initiative not only benefits the elderly by offering much-needed companionship and support but also empowers young volunteers to make a positive difference in the lives of others. It serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of empathy and human connection in creating a more compassionate and inclusive society. As we continue to navigate the challenges of social isolation and loneliness, let's celebrate and support initiatives that bring people together, foster intergenerational bonds, and promote a sense of belonging for all members of our community. Together, we can create a brighter, more connected future for generations to come. 🌈👵👧🧓👦 #BridgingGenerations #EmpathyInAction #CommunityConnections #elderlycare #multigenerational #agedcare #healthcare #seniorcare #elderly #health #agedcareaustralia #nursing #caregiving #care #seniorliving #mentalhealth #dementiacare

Nearly 15 million children under age six live in households in which all parents work, leaving many of them in need of child care. The cornerstone of quality early care and learning is the workforce, and supporting the workforce is about much more than increasing compensation. We created a 10-step plan for states to develop a competent and stable workforce, including considerations for directors and support staff, who are too often left out of the conversation. Take a look at the categories our ten steps fall under: 1️⃣ Define the Child Care Workforce 2️⃣ Ensure Competency and Quality 3️⃣ Determine the Cost of the System 4️⃣ Identify Financing Read more about each step. https://bit.ly/3V22KQu #Bipartisan #ChildCare #Workforce

What parents + Caregivers want to know about RSHE! Read more: https://lnkd.in/dJzkiQtq With mandatory RSE now a part of the curriculum, parents + caregivers are curious about what their children are learning, when they are learning it, and why. We totally get it + we are here to help. We understand that RSE can be challenging for parents due to various reasons, but we want to assure you that your concerns are important to us. We aim to handle them with sensitivity + empathy + work together in the best interests of your child or young person. To help address these concerns, our latest blog post explores common questions + concerns parents might have about RSE, provides some answers + shares some general top tips. We invite you to visit our website + learn more. We're here to help you + your child navigate this important topic together! https://lnkd.in/dJzkiQtq #Blog #RSE #Teachers #Parents #Caregivers

These are large numbers—unless I were in the space, I would never hear about or comprehend them. As of the latest data: There are approximately 4.5 million professional (paid) caregivers in the USA. There are around 53 million unpaid caregivers in the USA! (Mostly Family Members!) Women as Caregivers Women are the Majority: Approximately 60% of caregivers are women. Primary Caregivers: Women are more likely to be the primary caregiver, spending more hours per week on caregiving tasks. Financial Impact: Women caregivers often face greater financial strain due to taking time off work or reducing their hours, leading to lost income and benefits. Men as Caregivers Increasing Numbers: While traditionally fewer men have taken on caregiving roles, this is changing. About 40% of caregivers are now men. Type of Care: Men are more likely to provide care related to physical tasks, such as transportation and managing finances, but are increasingly involved in personal care activities as well. Balancing Roles: Men caregivers also experience significant stress, balancing work, caregiving, and other responsibilities. Children and Young Caregivers (this is the most sad...) Young Caregivers: There are an estimated 1.3 to 1.4 million children and adolescents (ages 8-18) who serve as caregivers in the United States. Impact on Education: Young caregivers often face challenges in balancing school and caregiving responsibilities, which can impact their educational outcomes and social development. Emotional Toll: The emotional and psychological toll on young caregivers can be profound, as they often deal with the stress and anxiety of caring for a family member while managing their own growth and development. These numbers highlight the significant and often hidden contributions of women, men, and children in the caregiving landscape. The roles they play are crucial but come with substantial personal sacrifices and challenges. Caregiving is NOT cheap or easy.

Expanding the language used in search terms is helpful when looking for information about Caregiving Youth in the United States. Awareness of this list can lead to more accurate and relevant resources, research, and articles. There are many ways to describe young people who take care of family members. This list (Caregiving Youth, Young Carer, Student Caregiver, etc.) shows some of the terms you might come across. Using a variety of words in your search will help you find more accurate information. Think about it like this: Imagine you're looking for info on how these young people manage school and caregiving. If you only search for "Caregiving Youth," you might miss articles titled "Supporting Young Carers or Young Caregivers in Schools." Using a wider range of terms helps cast a wider net. *Mostly, but not always - Sometimes it can also be confusing. For example, "kid caregivers" could mean young people caring for others or caregivers who work with kids. The surrounding information should make it clear, but it's always good to be aware of different interpretations. Also, be aware that the age ranges of studies and outputs often include young adults over the age of 18 who are caregivers. The number of terms in various publications means the issue is getting more attention. Each might give clues to specific situations, like the caregiver's age, geography, or family circumstances. The US defines Caregiving Youth as young people ages 18 and under who provide significant assistance or care to a family member who has a chronic illness, disability, mental health condition, or frailty due to aging. (They are called Young Carers in the UK.) Ideally, we'll settle on a few clear terms for everyday use while still acknowledging the different experiences of young caregivers and the historical language folks have used when publishing about this mostly hidden population. *** Andy McGowan Feylyn Lewis, PhD Connie Siskowski, RN, PhD Melinda Kavanaugh, PhD, LCSW Saul Becker Todd Keitz Sara Poole Maggie Ornstein, PhD, MPH, MA Rachael Barrett Leiha Edmonds Lisell Perez-Rogers, MA, LGPC Elizabeth (Betsy) Olson #CaregivingYouth #YoungCarers #YoungCaregivers #KidsAreCaregiversToo #AwareTheyCare #Caregiving

Axios #DC : #Council #for #a #Strong #America #DC #area #employers #offering #child #care #benefits #amid #nationwide #crisis "#Marriott has an almost 11,000-square-foot daycare center in its new Bethesda headquarters where employees receive discounts. The hotel group also offers child care discounts to employees nationally. #Booz #Allen #Hamilton also offers on-site child care at its McLean headquarters, as well as discounts elsewhere. Local employers such as #Amazon, the #Association #of #American #Medical #Colleges, #Mitre, #Google, and #Cox (which owns Axios) provide a range of benefits, such as tuition #discounts or #subsidies, #backup child care, or #priority #enrollment at certain daycares, often by partnering with large groups like Bright Horizons or Care.com. Meanwhile, the #YMCA of Metropolitan Washington offers employees a 25% discount on its child care programs."