DataBrief:

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DataBrief Series ● December 2010 ● No. 6

Informal Caregivers

Almost 1 in 3 caregivers have been providing care for more than five years?

More than 1 in 10 of caregivers have been providing care for more than ten years?

• Informal caregivers help their friends and family in a variety of ways:– They assist with regular daily activities such as household chores, driving

loved ones to appointments, and coordinating medical care. – They also provide more intensive help such as feeding, bathing, and

administering medications.• 43.5 million Americans over the age of 18 – or about 1 in 5 – are caregivers to

individuals over age 50.1

• Caregiving can take an emotional, physical, and financial toll. 2

– One in six caregivers reports that their health is “fair to poor.”– 31% of caregivers report that providing informal care is emotionally

stressful.– Nearly a quarter of informal caregivers report a moderate to high rate of

financial hardship.

Informal Caregivers

Page 2DataBrief (2010) ● No. 6

1 National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. “Caregiving in the U.S.: A Focused Look at Those Caring for Someone Age 50 or Older.” November 2009.

2 Ibid.

The Average Caregiver Spends 19 Hours a Week – Equal to a Part-Time Job – Providing Assistance

DataBrief (2010) ● No. 6Page 3

Percent of Individuals who Provide Informal Care, by Total Hours per Week

About the data:

Analytics powered by Avalere Health LLC

A Clear Policy ConnectionFamilies and friends provide a substantial amount of informal care to individuals with functional and/or cognitive impairments. Caregivers, who are mostly women, fill the gap between available access and funding for services and the care needs of their loved ones. Their caregiving efforts help loved ones stay at home and avoid or reduce the high costs of paid help.

The Affordable Care Act requires geriatric education centers, which are federally-funded and based at universities in many states, to offer free or low cost training to family caregivers. In addition, the Older Americans Act funds many programs that provide supportive services and education for informal caregivers.

Informal caregiving can be emotionally, physically, and financially burdensome for caregivers. As state and federal policy makers debate long-term care reform, they should consider the valuable contribution these individuals make to our nation’s long-term care system. Policies to increase availability and funding for paid home and community-based services and other assistance can help support their work.

The facts about caregiving come from the 2009 Caregiver Survey which is based on interviews with 1,397 caregivers who provide unpaid supportive care to an individual 50 years or older. The survey asked respondents about the type and nature of their caregiving activities; the impact caregiving has on their work, home, and social life; and where they get more information to assist them in their caregiving roles.

The survey was administered by the National Alliance of Caregiving in collaboration with AARP.

DataBrief (2010) ● No. 6Page 4