New Study Shows Shifting Realities Of Caregiving
Because Americans are living longer today, the face of caregivers is changing. More of us are taking on this enormous responsibility at much younger ages. Not only is the face of caregiving changing, but also the responsibilities and type of care provided, and many Americans aren't ready.
In fact, findings from the ManyFaces of Caregiving Study recently released by the national nonprofit Easter Seals through the support of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (
"Supporting caregivers is at the core of everything Easter Seals is about – it's in our DNA," says
Perceptions vs. Realities
While there is a misconception that most caregivers provide care to loved ones due to a physical condition (e.g., limited mobility, use of wheelchairs, rehabilitation), the Easter Seals' Many Faces of Caregiving Study showed 77 percent of caregivers actually provide care for emotional or mental health conditions, memory problems or dementia.
In addition, we often think of caregivers as women, but the study also showed that just as many men as women are stepping up to provide care to loved ones.
Not Quite Ready
The majority of study respondents (70 percent) have not yet had the critical conversation with their families and loved ones about the future, as it relates to their life care planning. In addition, not even half (47 percent) of caregivers surveyed admit to being very satisfied with the care they are able to provide, reinforcing the need for continued support and education for all.
"There is clearly a need to increase efforts to help people understand the need for and to create a Life Care Plan," says
Caregiving Today
Caregiving looks different for everyone. Whether a young newlywed is taking care of her husband who was injured in war, a son or daughter taking care of aging or ailing parents, a sibling helping his or her brother or sister with Down syndrome, or a parent taking care of a child with autism or other disabilities, caregiving is pertinent to so many today.
"More than 42 million caregivers provide an estimated
About Easter Seals
Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. For nearly 100 years, we have been offering help, hope, and answers to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play. To learn more about Easter Seals and services in communities nationwide, visit www.easterseals.com.
About
Founded in 1851,
For more information, visit www.massmutual.com or find
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2Valuing the Invaluable: 2011 Update; The Growing Contributions and Costs of Family Caregiving;
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SOURCE Easter Seals
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