Caregiving can be a challenging and sometimes thankless job, and a record number of Americans are now providing home care for elderly parents. Here are six surprising statistics about family caregivers and the challenges they face
1. 40 Percent of US Adults Are Family Caregivers
More ongoing care is now taking place at home as more seniors prefer to age in place. This has led to an increasing number of family caregivers and home care workers. Between 2000 and 2013, the number of caregivers in the US increased by 10 percent, with 4 out of 10 adults in the US now caring for elderly or ill family members.
2. 50 Percent of Adults Expect to Become Family Caregivers
According to a Pew Research Study, more than half of US adults expect they’ll become caregivers for parents or other elderly family members at some point. This means the number of family caregivers is expected to increase steadily over the next decade.
Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
3.Most Caregivers Are Women with Jobs
According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, between 53 and 68 percent of family caregivers are women. Female caregivers are more likely than male caregivers to help with challenging tasks like bathing. More than two out of every three caregivers also manage full-time or part-time jobs.
4.Most Caregivers Are Older Adults in Poor Health
The average age of caregivers caring for someone over the age of 65 is 63. One-third of these caregivers are also in fair to poor health, which is important to note because caregiving can be a stressful job and seriously impact overall health.
Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Roseville, CA, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home.
5.The Value Family Caregivers Provide Is Estimated at $375 Billion Annually
Family caregivers are estimated to provide $375 billion in services every year for “free,” which is nearly double the amount spent on home care.
6.Family Caregiving Takes an Average of 20 Hours a Week
Family caregivers spend an average of 20 hours a week caring for their loved ones, which is the equivalent of a part-time job. About 13 percent of caregivers provide 40 hours or more of care per week for family members.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality senior care, Roseville Home Care Assistance can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age. Call one of our Care Managers at (916) 226-3737 to learn about our customized in-home care plans.