NY Survey: Boomers Overwhelmed by Family Caregiving Responsibilities, Looking for Help
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That's the upshot of a new statewide
Half of
More than half of survey respondents – 53 percent – said they're "very" or "extremely" likely to be family caregivers in the next five years. Add in those who say they're "somewhat likely" and the number jumps to two thirds (66 percent).
The survey results are in line with a 2011 MetLife study that found the number of Baby Boomers and other adult children caring for a parent has more than tripled in the last 15 years.
Family caregiving takes its toll emotionally, physically and financially; the survey showed that 85 percent of family caregivers reported strain on their quality of life, with more than half - 55 percent – citing "overwhelming" or "a good deal of" strain.
Nearly three quarters (74 percent) of working family caregivers said they've had to go to work late, leave early or take time off during the day to provide care. Many have paid a financial price by going from full-time to part-time work (17 percent), taking a leave of absence (27 percent), giving up working or taking an early retirement (13 percent), or losing job benefits (11 percent).
"The strain and demands on
The 50+ - who voted at nearly twice the rate of 18- to 49-year-olds in the last gubernatorial election in 2010 - are looking for help from their elected officials.
More than three quarters (76 percent) said they're "extremely" or "very" likely to vote for candidates who support family caregivers.
And an astounding 92 percent support a key
An estimated 4.1 million family caregivers provide the equivalent of
Caregiver burnout is a leading cause of nursing home placements, which drive the elderly and frail from their homes and cost taxpayers far more through
The 2014-15 State Budget increased funding for such services by
The need is only expected to grow; a recent
Family caregivers provide unpaid care for an adult relative, spouse or friend who is ill, frail, elderly or disabled, such as giving medications or wound care, helping with transportation or household chores, and calling doctors and managing finances.
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SOURCE AARP New York
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