Everyone of us has been cared for at some time in our lives. Those of us who have experienced surgery or illness may have been cared for on more than one occassion. Rosalyn Carter stated years ago that as we continue to live we will fall into one of four types of people:
- those who have been caregivers
- those who are currently caregivers
- those who will be caregivers
- those who will need caregivers
As family and professional caregivers our ranks are growing with the need.
Some facts taken from the National Family Caregivers Association website
More than 50 million people provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Informal Caregiving: Compassion in Action. Washington, DC: 1998, and National Family Caregivers Association, Random Sample Survey of Family Caregivers, Summer 2000, Unpublished
30% of family caregivers caring for seniors are themselves aged 65 or over; another 15% are between the ages of 45 to 54.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, The Characteristics of Long-term Care Users. Rockville: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2001.
59% of family caregivers who care for someone over the age of 18 either work or have worked while providing care. And 62% have had to make some adjustments to their work life, from reporting late to work to giving up work entirely.
Source: National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, Caregiving in the U.S., 2004.
American businesses can lose as much as $34 billion each year due to employees’ need to care for loved ones 50 years of age and older.
Source: Metlife Mature Market Institute and National Alliance for Caregiving, MetLife Caregiving Cost Study: Productivity Losses to U.S. Business, July 2006.
Caregiving for adults is a growing need in our society. As 75 million baby boomers enter their sixties over the next three decades more and more will need to put plans in place for their own or their loved ones care. Are you prepared? Take time today to talk with a Care Liaison who can help you put your plan in place. Why let an emergency force you into choices that are not yours? Plan now for a future your way!
If you are caring for a family member join the National Family Caregivers Association. The National Family Caregivers Association educates, supports, empowers and speaks up for the more than 65 million Americans who care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability or the frailties of old age.
