When a critical component, frequently described as a hidden dependency, is not formally recognized or designed into workflows, problems show up indirectly—as defects, delays, workarounds, and inconsistent performance. That’s what happens in healthcare systems that don’t recognize the important contribution of family caregivers in elder care plans. This article defines hidden dependency characteristics and explains why using the term “informal” is misleading and undervalues t
You may not call yourself a caregiver—but if you're helping an elderly loved one with meals, meds, appointments, or just checking in, you’re doing the work. This first post in The Unspoken STRAIN series helps you recognize the role you’ve stepped into, understand why that matters, and see how caregiving affects everything—from your health to your job to the healthcare system itself. Includes a quick quiz to help you find out if you’re already a family caregiver.
