About this Research Topic
Population aging and the increasing number of individuals living with multiple chronic conditions and disability are driving the demand for paid and unpaid caregivers. In the absence of formal care systems and services in many countries, most older adults rely on informal and family care networks. Lack of resources at the community- and family-level has a negative impact on the burden of care of the caregiver and the quality of care experienced by the care recipient. Strategies to support carers is a global priority, particularly within rural and underserved communities. Caregivers in these contexts face inadequate healthcare and social services, a high disease burden, and insufficient financial resources. This vulnerability to health-related disparities is a critical issue that needs to be addressed through broad-based supports, investments, and innovative solutions in the long-term care system. It is important to recognize that the challenges of caregiving in rural and underserved communities are not limited to care recipient outcomes; rather, they also impact the health and well-being of the caregivers themselves. Therefore, this Research Topic aims to expand our understanding about the experiences of caregivers in these contexts.
To enhance our understanding about the lived experience of caregivers in rural and underserved communities, we are soliciting articles about the following topics. Author-proposed topics related to the overall theme will also be considered. All articles types accepted by the journal will be considered surrounding the following themes (but are not limited to):
• Physical, psychological, and social health of caregivers across the lifespan
• Formal and informal resources that caregivers draw upon to support them in their role
• Use of technology and other innovations in clinical and community settings to alleviate caregiver burden
• Interventions and evidence-based strategies to promote successful caregiving and improve the quality of life of both caregivers and care recipients
• Cross-cutting issues related to infrastructure and policy actions needed to prepare for the growing demand for caregivers
To enhance our understanding about the lived experience of caregivers in rural and underserved communities, we are soliciting articles about the following topics. Author-proposed topics related to the overall theme will also be considered. All articles types accepted by the journal will be considered surrounding the following themes (but are not limited to):
• Physical, psychological, and social health of caregivers across the lifespan
• Formal and informal resources that caregivers draw upon to support them in their role
• Use of technology and other innovations in clinical and community settings to alleviate caregiver burden
• Interventions and evidence-based strategies to promote successful caregiving and improve the quality of life of both caregivers and care recipients
• Cross-cutting issues related to infrastructure and policy actions needed to prepare for the growing demand for caregivers
Keywords: population aging, underserved communities, public health, aging, older adults, caregivers
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
