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In recognition of National Caregivers Month, and National Caregivers Week, UVA School of Medicine Office of Medical Sciences Outreach and UVA Health Office of Community Engagement and Health Outcomes hosted two talks to raise awareness of caregivers, and their challenges and resources.

One, led by Richard W. Lindsay, MD, Emeritus Professor of Internal Medicine and Family Practice and former Head, Section of Geriatric Medicine, UVA Health. The other, led by Melody M. Pannell, D. Min., MSW, M.Div., MACE, GC–RJ, Director, Healthcare Leadership Education and Community Wellness, UVA Health Office of Community Engagement and Health Outcomes. 

“Caregiving: A Major U.S. Crisis” 

In Dr. Lindsay’s talk, he explained how multifaceted the caregiving crisis is in the United States: since more people are living longer in this country, there is an increased demand for caregivers because these individuals need assistance with everyday tasks and chronic illnesses. 

The current paid caregiver workforce is strained; therefore, more people rely on family members to care for them. Further, many of the individuals who are caregivers are not just helping aging parents — they also care for children, making them a part of the “sandwich generation.” 

Additionally, there are many adolescents providing care for aging family members, which puts a strain on their academic and social lives.  

“Caring for the Caregivers” 

The next talk focused on building resilience as a caregiver. Pannell covered the importance of acknowledging the emotional toll being a caregiver can take — leading participants in mindfulness activities reflecting on emotional intelligence, empathy, stress management, and the stages of grief. She explained how to recognize the symptoms of caregivers' stress syndrome and how to address compassion fatigue. 

Trauma stewardship and trauma informed practices also were explored to emphasize the critical relationship between healthcare providers and caregivers. The steps of post traumatic growth were explained as a potential result of building caregiver resilience.  

The director shared that the skill of resilience — the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress — can be developed through intentional aspects of creativity, courage, connection and learning how to bounce back from challenges.  

Throughout the presentation, Pannell referred to the 12 Dimensions of Wellness and encouraged self-care, advocacy, and a positive support system to build resilience as a caregiver. 

Resources also were shared for healthcare providers and caregivers.  

UVA School of Medicine Office of Medical Sciences Outreach and UVA Health Office of Community Engagement and Health Outcomes will continue to lead educational and wellness program initiatives in support of caregivers.