Family caregivers are getting younger, and that’s leading to problems that families don’t always consider. Here are seven facts you need to keep in mind when you become your dad’s primary caregiver.
58% of Family Caregivers Are One of Three Generations
More than half of family caregivers are Gen X, Y, or Z. It’s less common now for a family caregiver to be older than 58. That means the majority of family caregivers are working and may even still be in college when helping a parent or grandparent.
53% of Family Caregivers Felt There Was No Other Choice
More than half of family caregivers didn’t feel they had a choice but to provide care. Some felt trapped in the role of caregiver and felt that they were letting their parents down if they didn’t help out.
Half of Caregivers Are Helping a Parent
Half of all family caregivers are caring for at least one parent or parent-in-law. A spouse and grandparent are the second and third most likely.
49% of Family Caregivers Live 20 to 60 Minutes Away
How far do you live from your dad? Almost half of family caregivers live between 20 minutes to an hour from their parents. In addition to the many hours of care they provide, they also have long commutes to and from their parent’s homes.
29% of Family Caregivers Provide Care For 5+ Years
While 25% of family caregivers only hold that role for six months or less, 29% of family caregivers provide care for five or more years. Diseases like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia make the need for care important from earlier stages. Alzheimer’s can last upwards of 20 years, so it’s a long, slow journey.
27% of Female Family Caregivers Care for Two Adults
More than a quarter of female family caregivers are providing care for two or more adults at the same time. It might be a spouse and parent, parent and grandparent, or a disabled adult child and parent. It’s especially common in rural regions.
The Average Age of a Family Caregiver is 49
Family caregivers are not often past retirement age anymore. As adults start having children in their 30s, 40s, etc., it’s led to parents becoming elderly while their kids are still working full-time jobs and raising children of their own.
Providing the care your dad needs is hard enough, but it’s even harder because you work full-time, have your children’s school functions to attend, and also need time for yourself. It’s getting to be overwhelming, and you’re not sure what to do. Home care assistance is a great solution.
If you’re a family caregiver, how many of these facts apply to your situation? Are you risking your mental or physical health by focusing fully on your dad’s needs and not your own? Arrange home care assistance to ensure you have time for self-care.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care assistance in Clark, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Adult Alternative Home Care today. 888-664-1769
- How to Get Seniors Engaged in Their Post-Hospital Care Plan - November 11, 2024
- How Veterans Care Plays a Key Part in Senior Home Care Services in Millburn, New Jersey - November 11, 2024
- Caring for the Skin in Our Golden Years - November 8, 2024
