Living Our Legacies Family Caregi vers’ Planning, Prevention and Engagement Framework
FAMILY CAREGIVERS’ CRISIS AT A GLANCE
Family Caregiving for an Aging Population
As the United States population becomes increasingly more ethnically and culturally diverse, there is a greater need to understand the cultural determinants of family caregiving responsibilities. After 20 years of research and data collection, The Detroit Area Agency on Aging reported in Dying Before Their Time III , the Detroit death rate for people ages 50 to 59 is 122% higher than those of the same age in the rest of Michigan. The death rate for people ages 60 to 74 is 48% higher. Chronic illness plays a major role in why Detroit's older adults are dying prematurely. It is noted that 89% of them have at least one chronic illness. More than one-third (39%) have three or more chronic illnesses. The most common include hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, stroke, dementia, and diabetes.
In Detroit
In the rest of Michigan
Age Group Death Rate
African American families in the Detroit community make up 80% of the population and will be faced with decisions to provide care for older family members. The societal challenge to meet the physical, mental, spiritual, and social needs of aging adults underscores the needs of professionals and care providers to not only understand the factors that affect aging and living well, but the needs of the primary family caregivers as well. Family caregivers tend to experience stress and strain from functioning in multiple roles (spouse, parent, employee, business owner, community leader) while providing care to an aging family member. With an estimated annual income in Detroit of $34,000, the economic worries add to the family caregivers’ financial limits to care for their families and older loved ones. As the aging populations of African American churches increase, it is critical for all faith communities to learn how to bring gospel, comfort, peace, and resources to the family caregiver.
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