Caring for an elderly parent can be one of the most challenging and emotionally draining experiences a person can face. While the desire to provide love and support to our aging loved ones is often deeply ingrained, the reality of the caregiving journey can sometimes leave individuals feeling trapped and overwhelmed. Caregiver burnout is a real thing that some experience, and the causes of these feelings can come from many different places.

Tembo Health is honored to join the 2022 cohort of the UnitedHealthcare Accelerator. During the four month program, we will learn from UnitedHealthcare executives and other innovative healthcare companies to shape the future of senior healthcare.

Nearly 20% of Americans are caregivers and provide unpaid assistance to others, typically family members. Whether it be grocery store runs, transportation to doctor’s appointments, or supporting daily activities (e.g., dressing and bathing), caregivers provide immense emotional and physical support that is valued at over $450 billion per year.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on our daily activities, shuttering schools and businesses, and claiming a half million lives in the US to date. Unfortunately, the pandemic has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, including seniors.

As families and friends gear up to celebrate the holiday season, many are taking COVID-19 tests to protect their loved ones. With more infectious breakthrough cases––through variants like the Omicron––increasing worldwide case numbers, regular testing, especially before social gatherings and travel, will play a vital role in lessening the spread of the virus.

The 2020-2021 flu season had a record low number of cases due to social distancing and mask-wearing requirements, with only 1,675 number of confirmed laboratory cases, the lowest on record. On average, the flu disproportionately impacts seniors with more than 70% of flu related deaths occurring in seniors.