FAMILY
CAREGIVING STATISTICS Compiled by the National Family Caregivers Association |
|
| More
than one quarter (26.6%) of the adult population has provided care for a chronically
ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during the past year. Based on current
census data, that translates into more than 50 million people. Source: National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) Random Sample Survey of 1000 Adults, Funded by CareThere.com, Summer, 2000. |
Caregiving
is no longer predominantly a women's issue. Men now make up 44% of the caregiving
population. Source: National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) Random Sample Survey of 1000 Adults, Funded by CareThere.com, Summer, 2000. |
| The value of
the services family caregivers provide for "free" is estimated to be
$257 billion a year. ( Source: Peter S. Arno, "Economic Value of Informal Caregiving," presented at theAmerican Association of Geriatric Psychiatry, February 24, 2002. |
Virtually one
half of the US population has a chronic condition. Of these 41 million were limited
in their daily activities. Twelve million are unable to go to school, to work,
or to live independently. Source: Chronic Care in America (Institute for Health & Aging, Univ. of CA/SF for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation) 1996 |
| People over 85
years of age are the fastest growing segment of the population. Half of them need
some help with personal care. Source: US Bureau of the Census Statistical Brief, Sixty Five Plus in the United States, May 1995 |
Elderly caregivers
with a history of chronic illness themselves who are experiencing caregiving related
stress have a 63% higher mortality rate than their non-caregiving peers. Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, December 15, 1999, Vol. 282, No. 23. |
| The pool of family
caregivers is dwindling. In 1990 there were 11 potential caregivers for each person
needing care. In 2050 that ratio will be 4:1. Source: Chronic Care in America - as above |
Sixty-one
percent (61%) of "intense" family caregivers (those providing at least
21 hours of care a week) have suffered from depression. Some studies have shown
that caregiver stress inhibits healing. |
| Heavy duty caregivers,
especially spousal caregivers, do not get consistent help from other family members.
One study has shown that as many as three fourths of these caregivers are "going
it alone". Source: Caregiving Across the Life Cycle - as above. |
Approximately
80% of home care services are provided by family caregivers. Source: US General Accounting Office (GAO/HEHS 95-26, "Long-Term Care: Diverse, Growing Population Includes Millions of Americans of All Ages") 1994. |
| A recent study
calculated that American businesses loses between $11 billion and $29 billion
each year due to employees’ need to care for loved ones 50 years of age
and older. Source: National Alliance for Caregiving/Met Life (Met Life Study of Employer Costs for Working Caregivers) |
Fifty nine percent
of the adult population either is or expects to be a family caregiver. Source: National Family Caregivers Association (Random Sample Survey of 1,000 Adults Sponsored by Aleve) |
Questions? |
Answers
. . . |
My
spouse is already sick, can we get long term care? |
It
is possible, depending upon the type of illness . . . there is no harm in trying,
and at least you could get the coverage. |
Why
can't my children taking care of me? |
This
is a conversation that you need to have with your children - we would be happy
to help - or request our booklet on Long Term Care |
Medicaid/Medi-Cal
or Medicare coverage pays for in-home or nursing home care - doesn't it? |
It
depends. This can only be answered on a case by case basis - please call for a
complementary consulation.805 376-8070 |