Who are our nation's caregivers?
-
Piedmont Heart Institute answered:Most Americans will be informal caregivers at some point during their lives. During any given year, there are more than 44 million Americans (21% of the adult population) who provide unpaid care to an elderly or disabled person 18 years or older. Altogether, informal caregivers provide 80 percent of the long-term care in the United States.
Sixty-one percent of caregivers are women. Most caregivers are middle-aged. Thirteen percent of caregivers are aged 65 years and older. Fifty-nine percent of informal caregivers have jobs in addition to caring for another person. Because of time spent caregiving, more than half of employed women caregivers have made changes at work, such as going in late, leaving early, or working fewer hours.
This answer is based on source information from the National Women's Health Information Center.
Most Americans will be informal caregivers at some point during their lives. During any given year, there are more than 44 million Americans (21% of the adult population) who provide unpaid care to an elderly or disabled person 18 years or older.... More -
HealthyWomen answered:The National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) estimates that family members provide 86% of all care received by older adults. Over one-third (36%) of all caregivers take care of a parent. The average caregiver is just over 49 years old, and most caregivers are women. However, an increasing number of caregivers—34%—are men, so caregiving is not purely a women's issue.
The NAC reports that 7 out of 10 caregivers are employed on top of the 20.4 hours a week they spend giving care, and 46% of them work full-time. As a result, two-thirds report going in late, leaving early or taking time off during the day to deal with caregiving issues, and 20% have taken a leave of absence.
Still, keeping a sick or disabled spouse, relative or friend at home is the first choice for many family members—even those who can afford other options, such as a nursing home.The National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) estimates that family members provide 86% of all care received by older adults. Over one-third (36%) of all caregivers take care of a parent. The average caregiver is just over 49 years old, and... More
