Abstract:

Over 38 million family caregivers provide the vast majority of long-term care in the United States, valued at over $600 billion annually. Most of these caregivers are supporting a person with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Disorders. This presentation will provide an overview of who are the caregivers and how health systems and technology can support them as they engage in this vital role.

Biography:

  • Heather M. Young, PhD, RN, FAAN, Professor, Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing; Founding Dean Emerita; National Director, Betty Irene Moore Fellowship for Nurse Leaders and Innovators at UC Davis Health
    • A nurse leader, educator, scientist and nationally recognized expert in gerontological nursing and rural health care, Heather M. Young is national director of the Betty Irene Moore Fellowship Program for Nurse Leaders and Innovators, professor, and dean emerita for the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis. Young researches healthy aging with a particular focus on the interface between individuals, family and formal health care systems. She co-leads the Healthy Aging in a Digital World initiative at UC Davis Health and co-directs the Family Caregiving Institute and is a Senior Policy Fellow with the AARP Public Policy Institute focusing on policy and systems supports for family caregivers. As founding dean and Associate Vice Chancellor for Nursing for UC Davis Health, Dr. Young led the establishment of the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing. Young’s nursing practice included critical care and as a geriatric nurse practitioner in community-based long-term care.