UPDATE: A groundbreaking report from the New York City Department for Aging reveals urgent challenges faced by aging New Yorkers and their caregivers. The findings, set to be released on Friday, highlight the critical need for support systems to assist those who care for elderly family members.
In a revealing testimony, Alexandra Widrick, a mother of three from the Upper East Side, shared her journey of juggling parenthood and caregiving for her father, Marty Widrick, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. “I was just a teenager… and one day I was a parent of three and caregiving for my elderly dad,” Widrick stated, emphasizing the chaotic transition many caregivers face.
The survey, the first of its kind, engaged both older adults and caregivers, challenging previous methodologies that only consulted researchers. Commissioner Lorraine Cortes-Vasquez stated, “It is to inform how you serve a population and how you can meet their needs.” The results are alarming: nearly 30% of caregivers under 60 report caring for both an older adult and a minor, while over 54% dedicate between 15 to over 30 hours weekly to caregiving.
Shockingly, over 40% of older adults who care for others do not identify as caregivers, highlighting a critical gap in awareness and support. Cortes-Vasquez noted, “The earlier you identify as a caregiver, the sooner you may get support for your care recipient before it becomes a crisis.”
The report aims to address misconceptions and provide insights into the resources available to caregivers. Simple solutions, such as transportation services for medical appointments, could alleviate the burden on working caregivers, allowing them to maintain their financial stability.
As New York City faces a growing aging population, the findings of this report underscore the urgent need for systemic changes to support both the elderly and those who care for them. The full report will provide detailed recommendations to inform future policies.
Stay tuned for the full release on Friday to learn more about how New York City plans to address these pressing issues affecting families across the city. This report is a call to action for both the government and the community to recognize and support the often-overlooked role of caregivers.