The State of Caregiving in India: A Comprehensive Study of Family and Informal Care
摘要
Caregiving plays an essential role in the Indian healthcare system, particularly as the population ages. Within this landscape, informal and family caregivers hold a pivotal yet often undervalued position in providing care to the elderly and individuals with chronic conditions. This study aims to explore the challenges faced by informal caregivers in India, primarily through interviews, shadowing, and a nationwide survey involving 30 participants, including informal, family, and professional caregivers. Additionally, insights drawn from analogous inspirations such as geriatric care agencies and extensive electronic searches on platforms like Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and the National Library of Medicine. The study emphasizes the urgent need for formal training, ergonomic solutions, and supportive systems to enhance the well-being of caregivers and care recipients. In response, we propose a training kit designed to address the physical strain caregivers face. This includes knee braces to support the lower back, upper body support to shift weight onto the legs, and sensor-based monitoring for real-time posture correction alerts.