Honoring Family Caregivers

Honoring Family Caregivers

Did you know…

  • Across the U.S., nearly 38 million Americans (about 11% of the population) are taking care of loved ones with chronic, disabling or serious health conditions. 
  • 60% of family caregivers also have full- or part-time jobs. 
  • 30% of all caregivers are caring for two generations.
  • The majority of caregivers (82%) care for one other adult, while 15% care for 2 adults and 3% for 3 or more adults. 
  • About 15.7 million family caregivers care for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. 
  • Upwards of 75% of all caregivers are female.
  • Family caregivers spend an average of 24.4 hours per week providing care. Nearly 1 in 4 caregivers spends 41 hours or more per week providing care. 
  • On average, caregivers spend 13 days each month on tasks such as shopping, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, transportation and medication management.
  • The average age of a family caregiver is 49.2 years old.
  • The average age of a care recipient is 69.4 years old – with 47% of recipients age 75 or older. 
  • The average duration of a caregiver’s role is 4 years.

*Source – Family Caregiver Alliance and AARP

Family Caregiving is Rewarding But Challenging

“Family caregivers are super stars,” said Mark Goetz, co-founder and president of the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “These statistics show that while caring for an older loved one is extremely rewarding, it can also be challenging and exhausting.”

During the month of November, all of us at HCAN will join others from around the country to celebrate National Family Caregivers Month – raising awareness about caregiving issues, educating communities and supporting caregivers.

Supporting Family Caregivers

“Family caregivers often sacrifice their own health and well-being in order to ensure their aging loved ones are happy, healthy and safe,” Goetz said. “This month, as we celebrate their unwavering commitment, we also want them to know that they don’t have to do it all. We’re here to help – to give them a break when they need it.”

At HCAN, we work closely with family caregivers to develop customized care plans that will meet their seniors’ unique needs. Whether it’s for just a few hours a week or around the clock, our professional caregivers provide everything from companionship and meal prep to personal and Alzheimer’s care. 

“We certainly can’t replace the family caregiver, but we can lend a helping hand,”

Goetz said. “When our caregivers are in your senior loved one’s home, you can be sure they’re getting consistent, compassionate care that you can count on – the kind of care we would want for our own aging loved ones.”

For more information about HCAN services, visit hcanthrive.com or call your local HCAN-supported office.