The bereavement process can have profound effects on individuals and the broader health of the public. Caregiver bereavement, in particular, raises important considerations regarding the overall well-being of caregivers and the wider implications for society. When caregivers experience the loss of their care recipients, they face unique challenges that can lead to emotional distress and physical health repercussions. This Research Topic aims to highlight the public health implications of bereavement challenges for caregivers. In the US alone, there are an estimated 53 million caregivers. As seen through the lens of caregiver bereavement, public health must develop strategies to overcome the challenges faced by caregivers and their communities and address their underrepresentation in the work of researchers, funding agencies, and policymakers. To achieve this goal, we will discuss ways to more clearly measure bereavement and emphasize the impact on caregivers’ mental, physical, and social well-being. By identifying the challenges faced by caregivers and proposing evidence-based interventions, we strive to enhance the overall well-being of caregivers and create stronger support networks for those experiencing the loss of their care recipients. We are looking to address a variety of themes, including but not limited to: – The impact of caregiver bereavement on mental health and emotional well-being, including substance use. – Strategies for measuring and assessing bereavement in caregivers. – Exploring the physical health effects of caregiver bereavement. – The social implications and challenges faced by bereaved caregivers and their communities. – Developing evidence-based interventions to support bereaved caregivers. – The connection between bereaved caregivers and palliative care. – Identifying effective support systems and resources for bereaved caregivers. – The long-term impact of caregiver bereavement on society and public health. – The role of caregivers in different cultures and contexts and the impact of loss. – Composition of various caregiver populations, including underrepresented groups, and their unique needs This collection welcomes submissions of the following types: Brief Research Report, Clinical Trial, Community Case Study, Conceptual Analysis, Correction, Data Report, Editorial, General Commentary, Hypothesis & Theory, Methods, Mini Review, Opinion, Original Research, Perspective, Policy Brief, Policy and Practice Reviews, Review, Study Protocol, Systematic Review.Dr. Toni Miles declares the following conflicts of interest: (1) Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, Pope Eminent Scholar-In-Residence, (2) Member, Alliant Health Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities Technical Expert Panel, (3) Altarum, Population Health, Consultant, (4) Member, Convergence Older Adults & Healthy Aging Working Group, (5) Frontiers in Public Health, One of several section editors. Dr. Wendy Lichtenthal declares the following conflicts of interest: (1) Inventor of Meaning-Centered Grief Therapy, (2) Inventor of EMPOWER, (3) Owner of Light in the Valley LLC, (4) Partner in PsyOnc Partners LLC, (5) Previously involved with Blue Note Therapeutics. The other Topic Editors declare no other competing interests with relation to this topic theme.
The bereavement process can have profound effects on individuals and the broader health of the public. Caregiver bereavement, in particular, raises important considerations regarding the overall well-being of caregivers and the wider implications for society. When caregivers experience the loss of their care recipients, they face unique challenges that can lead to emotional distress and physical health repercussions. This Research Topic aims to highlight the public health implications of bereavement challenges for caregivers. In the US alone, there are an estimated 53 million caregivers. As seen through the lens of caregiver bereavement, public health must develop strategies to overcome the challenges faced by caregivers and their communities and address their underrepresentation in the work of researchers, funding agencies, and policymakers. To achieve this goal, we will discuss ways to more clearly measure bereavement and emphasize the impact on caregivers’ mental, physical, and social well-being. By identifying the challenges faced by caregivers and proposing evidence-based interventions, we strive to enhance the overall well-being of caregivers and create stronger support networks for those experiencing the loss of their care recipients. We are looking to address a variety of themes, including but not limited to: – The impact of caregiver bereavement on mental health and emotional well-being, including substance use. – Strategies for measuring and assessing bereavement in caregivers. – Exploring the physical health effects of caregiver bereavement. – The social implications and challenges faced by bereaved caregivers and their communities. – Developing evidence-based interventions to support bereaved caregivers. – The connection between bereaved caregivers and palliative care. – Identifying effective support systems and resources for bereaved caregivers. – The long-term impact of caregiver bereavement on society and public health. – The role of caregivers in different cultures and contexts and the impact of loss. – Composition of various caregiver populations, including underrepresented groups, and their unique needs This collection welcomes submissions of the following types: Brief Research Report, Clinical Trial, Community Case Study, Conceptual Analysis, Correction, Data Report, Editorial, General Commentary, Hypothesis & Theory, Methods, Mini Review, Opinion, Original Research, Perspective, Policy Brief, Policy and Practice Reviews, Review, Study Protocol, Systematic Review.Dr. Toni Miles declares the following conflicts of interest: (1) Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, Pope Eminent Scholar-In-Residence, (2) Member, Alliant Health Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities Technical Expert Panel, (3) Altarum, Population Health, Consultant, (4) Member, Convergence Older Adults & Healthy Aging Working Group, (5) Frontiers in Public Health, One of several section editors. Dr. Wendy Lichtenthal declares the following conflicts of interest: (1) Inventor of Meaning-Centered Grief Therapy, (2) Inventor of EMPOWER, (3) Owner of Light in the Valley LLC, (4) Partner in PsyOnc Partners LLC, (5) Previously involved with Blue Note Therapeutics. The other Topic Editors declare no other competing interests with relation to this topic theme.
