CareYaya CEO Shares Personal Story and Insights on Modern Caregiving
In an exclusive interview on NBC Daily News, CareYaya CEO Neal K. Shah opened up about his personal experiences that inspired him to focus his life's work on improving care for aging loved ones. With Mother's Day approaching, the segment shed light on the challenges faced by the millions of Americans caring for elderly parents, and how CareYaya is working to provide support.
A Personal Mission Inspired by Family
Shah shared that his drive to revolutionize caregiving stemmed from witnessing the struggles his own mother, Nita Shah, faced while caring for her parents. Additionally, his wife Kathryn's battles with serious illness, which thrust Shah into a caregiving role himself, further opened his eyes to how difficult the role of a caregiver truly is.
These personal experiences catalyzed Shah to start CareYaya, which has rapidly grown into a leading health technology company. CareYaya's innovative model connects families needing care with compassionate, well-trained college students studying healthcare fields. The company has already made a huge social impact, helping tens of thousands of student caregivers assist families in need at highly affordable rates.
"Caregiving is very broken and a very difficult system for people to navigate," Shah explained in the interview. CareYaya aims to change that, by making quality care more accessible and by empowering a new generation of caregivers.
The Hidden Toll of Caregiving
When asked about the challenges of caring for an aging parent, Shah did not mince words about the profound impacts. "Over a third of caregivers report mental health strain within the first year of caring for an aging parent or a spouse with serious illness," he revealed. "25% of caregivers, believe it or not, report a physical health toll."
Shah emphasized that the day-to-day stress of caregiving duties often leads to burnout, which can manifest in heart issues and other health crises for the caregiver themselves. "If you don't stay healthy, how are you going to take care of your loved one who needs the help?" Shah poignantly asked.
He attributed these widespread struggles to a lack of a caregiving safety net, with many people shouldering the responsibility alone until they reach a breaking point. Shah noted that these critical issues often go undiscussed, but desperately need more attention and resources.
Finding Affordable Support
For those worried about caregiver burnout, Shah offered some key advice. First and foremost, he recommends connecting with local support groups, through organizations like the Alzheimer's Association, hospital programs, and disease-specific groups. Shah emphasized the importance of finding others who have gone through similar journeys to share resources, tips, and emotional support.
"There's a huge emotional benefit you get when you share and go through the journey with other people who have gone through it before you," Shah reflected. He named support groups as one of the best ways for caregivers to help themselves.
When it comes to finding affordable care assistance, Shah highlighted how CareYaya is working to fill that need. By deploying passionate college students training in healthcare fields and providing them with opportunities to engage in elder care, CareYaya offers families part-time help with daily living tasks at reasonable rates. Starting at just $17 per hour, services cost significantly less than traditional home care agencies.
These private-duty student caregivers can assist with household chores, personal care, and simply spending meaningful time with aging loved ones. For those needing overnight care, CareYaya can arrange vetted helpers for around $140 per night, giving family caregivers priceless peace of mind and respite. Having a responsible person present for overnight care prevents risky mobility issues and allows seniors to remain in the comfort of home.
Navigating Family Dynamics
Beyond the practical challenges, Shah also touched on the interpersonal component of caring for aging parents, such as navigating evolving family roles and responsibilities between siblings. "It's very difficult," Shah acknowledged. "The families we see navigating caregiving the best are the ones that planned before a crisis."
He strongly recommends that families come together to formulate a caregiving game plan in advance, taking into account factors like geographic proximity, finances, and emotional capacity. By communicating openly and taking turns contributing however each person is able - whether physically, financially, or emotionally - Shah explained that families can work together to share the load and prevent a single person from burning out.
A Celebration of Unsung Heroes
In closing, Ellison Barber thanked Shah for shining a light on these often unsung heroes. "Caregivers like you are oftentimes unsung heroes, so thank you so much for what you do," Barber said. By helping families learn how to navigate these challenging dynamics and providing an accessible solution, Shah and the CareYaya team are making a meaningful difference.
Their work serves as a reminder that no one has to face the journey of caregiving alone. With heartfelt understanding, strategic planning, and support from innovative companies like CareYaya, more families can sustainably care for the parents who once cared for them. Amidst the stresses and uncertainties, there is also profound beauty in walking alongside a loved one in their final chapter. CareYaya's ethos celebrates that poignant role and all those who step up to fill it.
This Mother's Day, may we celebrate and support the millions Mothering Their Mothers, and all who care for aging loved ones. They are the unsung heroes in our families and communities, whose vital work and compassion deserves recognition not just today, but every day.