Aging U.S. Population means more Caregivers

The aging U.S. population means more of us are caring for an elderly parent or relative. The Pew Research Center’s Susannah Fox says their survey found that nearly 40% of adults are acting as a caregiver, 86% of them have internet access and are avid users, but not for every task. “They are not necessarily using that technology to actually manage the medications or to keep track of the medications.  Just 7% of caregivers are using any online tools or mobile apps for medication management.” Fox tells how surveyed caregivers use the internet and mobile apps.  “You go online to get up to speed fast on an issue that maybe you didn’t know about before, but you really have a need to become an expert on and it is kind of on the job training and caregivers are going online to do that.” Only 59% of those surveyed said they found online tools helpful in their role as a caregiver, adds Fox.  “You might look at that and say well that is pretty good, that is a majority, but if this were a report card that would only really be a D+.  Where are the other 41%?  Are they not using the internet?  Are they not finding what they need?” Fox says not surprising the Pew survey found younger caregivers were more likely to use technology in their jobs.  “They are very likely to use the internet, very likely to have all sorts of mobile devices and technology and they are using those tools to triage the information that they need to try to take care of their loved one as best they can.” A majority find it helpful, concludes Fox.  “52% of caregivers with internet access say that online resources have been helpful in dealing with the stress of being a caregiver and I will add that younger caregivers are more likely to say that the internet has been helpful.” The Pew survey found one-in-four go online to review drugs, compared to just 13% of non-caregivers. At least 7 in 10 gather health information online and get information, care, or support from friends and family.