Caregiving at home can take its toll and it certainly takes a lot of planning. The Nation’s family caregivers are front and center in providing care every day – enabling their loved ones to stay at home longer where they are happier and healthier.
- Most adults would prefer to age in place. 90% of adults over the age of 65 would prefer to stay in their current home as they age. Family, friends, and neighbors provide 80% of the care for the elderly
- Two out of every 5 adults are family caregivers. In 2015, it is estimated that 39% of adults are caring for a loved one who is sick, disabled, or living with frailties of old age. That’s up from 30% in 2010
- Family caregivers are the only people who are present with patients in all care settings. Patients may have more than one doctor; nurses change shifts; prescriptions may be filled at different pharmacies. But family caregivers are there as full partners with their loved ones through it all.
- Complex care happens in the home Almost half of family caregivers perform sophisticated medical/nursing tasks for their loved ones – such as providing wound care and operating specialized medical equipment – and up to 70% manage medications for their loved ones.
- Caregiving effect the whole family. Men are now almost as likely to say they are family caregivers as women are (37% of men; 40% of women). And even 36% of younger Americans between ages 18 and 29 say they are family caregivers!
- Many families make changes at home because of their caregiving responsibilities. Some families have to tighten their belts at home to pay for out-of-pocket caregiving costs (an average of $5,500 per year). And many more have to make home alterations to ensure safety, security, and cleanliness for their loved ones.
With the ranks of family caregivers growing every year – tens of millions strong – we recognize the importance of the role that family caregivers play.
During National Family Caregivers Month, we celebrate the valuable role that family caregivers play when Care Comes Home!