Statement Of Principles

Principles for Change*
Caregiving has always been a universal experience in our society affecting people of all races, ethnicities, lifestyles and income levels, but in our time family caregiving has become more than an act of love and familial responsibility. It has become an essential element of our health and long-term care system. This is so for a number of reasons:

• Historically caregiving was short-lived. Most people died from infectious diseases until the advent of antibiotics in the 20th century. The average lifespan in 1900 was just 47. Today it is in the mid 70s and the majority of people die from the consequences of a chronic condition. This means caregiving situations typically last years or decades — or, in some cases, such as when children are born with congenital abnormalities or developmental disabilities, an entire lifetime.
• Institutionalization of individuals with chronic or disabling conditions has given way to a growing movement toward mainstreaming and community living. This movement has now become the law of the land with the handing down of the Supreme Courtís Olmstead decision.
  In the midst of these changes, major demographic trends are also having an impact on family caregiving.
• Family members no longer live in close proximity to the extent they did in the past. Long distance caregiving is a result of our enhanced mobility and changing social order.
• Women have traditionally played the role of family caregiver, but in this era when women make up almost half the labor force, they are less available to take on the role of family caregiver.

Read the Full Report and 8 Principals for Change (144 PDF)