What Are Some of the Latest Family Caregiving Trends?

Every few years, AARP releases a report on unpaid caregivers. The update came out in 2019. Here are some of the latest family caregiving trends that may surprise you.

More Millennials Are Helping Out

Smaller families make it harder for families to care for older relatives. If you’re an only child, your mom’s care may fall solely on your shoulders. In 2010, it’s estimated that every person 80 or older had an average of 7.1 potential family caregivers. By 2030, it’s expected that number will plummet to 4.1. Younger generations often need to step in and help.

Millennials are finding themselves in caregiver roles. Almost a quarter of family caregivers are in their late-20s and 30s. They’re juggling jobs, student loans, growing families, and caring or helping care for an older parent or grandparent at the same time.

Men Are Stepping Up

Women traditionally are the ones caring for their parents. Men are starting to step up and help out more. In 2019, 4 out of 10 family caregivers were men.

Men often help the most with home maintenance and household chores, money management and bill paying, and medication management. Women are still more likely to help with more intimate care tasks like toileting assistance and help when bathing.

Family Caregivers Spend Money Caring For Their Parents

In addition to cutting hours in order to provide care to an aging parent, many family caregivers spend their own money on things their parent needs. Groceries, prescription costs, and household necessities are some of the things family caregivers are paying for. In fact, it’s estimated that family caregivers spend around $7,000 a year on things their parents need.

There’s also a loss of benefits that can eat into future finances. Some family caregivers have to quit a full-time or part-time job. The loss of retirement contributions and company-sponsored health insurance adds up over time. Soon, those family caregivers could find themselves at a point where retiring may never be a viable option.

Chronic Loneliness Remains Problematic

Many family caregivers focus so much on the care they provide that they reduce the amount of time spent socializing with friends and co-workers. Many family caregivers report feeling overwhelmed regularly and experiencing chronic loneliness.

Family caregivers need to remember to take breaks from caring for a parent. Skipping this vital step puts your health at risk. Call a home care agency and ask about respite care services from professional caregivers.

Sources:
https://blog.aarp.org/family-caregiving-report-highlights-need-for-collective-action
https://www.aarp.org/ppi/info-2015/valuing-the-invaluable-2015-update.html?cmp=RDRCT-VALUN_JUN23_015