Newswise — Caregiving is an important and widespread responsibility that is becoming more common as our society’s elderly population grows. Much of this caregiving role is shifting onto families, increasing the need for professional help for those caring for their loved ones. Family Institute at Northwestern University chief postdoctoral fellow and therapist in the Institute’s couples therapy program, Gustavo Medrano, PhD, is available to comment on the importance of caring for the caregivers.
“Chronic health conditions affect not only the patient, but their caregivers as well. Often, primary caregivers are members of the patient’s family, including the spouse, parent, adult child or other close family member,” says Dr. Medrano. “With current health care trends shifting patient care for chronic health conditions, including mental disorders, more towards families, promoting the well-being of patients and their family caregivers is quite important.”
Dr. Medrano received his PhD from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. He specializes in the care of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, emotion regulation, coping with chronic health conditions, life transitions and stress management. His research illustrates how the stress of one person’s health can influence every family member.
To speak to Dr. Medrano about caring for the caregivers, or to learn more about The Family Institute, please contact Cyndi Schu, Director of Public Relations, at cschu@family-institute or 312-609-5300, ext. 483.
ABOUT THE FAMILY INSTITUTE AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY – For over 45 years, The Family Institute at Northwestern University (www.family-institute.org) has been committed to strengthening and healing families and individuals from all walks of life through clinical service, education and research. An affiliate of Northwestern University, The Family Institute is a unique, innovative not-for-profit organization, governed by its own independent Board of Directors and responsible for its own funding. The Institute offers a wide range of high quality mental health counseling through our staff practice and our sliding-fee scale Bette D. Harris Family and Child Clinic, where we are committed to serving at-risk, under-resourced communities. The Family Institute also operates two nationally-renowned graduate programs in marriage and family therapy and counseling psychology in affiliation with Northwestern University, and conducts cutting-edge research projects that lead to a better understanding and treatment of mental health issues.
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