AARP Update: Where We Stand
THE EMOTIONAL TOLL OF BEING A CAREGIVER
We need to come together to lighten the stress many feel
As you have read in this special update, “Fixing the Caregiving System,” there is legitimate progress in the quest to provide help to America’s family caregivers.
Our nation is waking up to the fact that caregivers are essential to the well-being of families and our economy. Their sacrifices save lives and allow millions of older adults and others with long- or short-term illnesses or disabilities to receive treatment at home. They are a crucial part of our health care system and represent about $600 billion of unpaid labor each year.
AARP is proud to be a leading voice in addressing the needs of our nation’s 48 million unpaid caregivers. Together with federal, state and growing corporate support, we have accomplished much.
But we still have more to do. As the population ages, the demands on family caregivers are going to increase and take an even greater toll on their bodies and minds.
BEING A CAREGIVER INCREASED YOUR LEVEL OF*
65%
Stress
61%
Worry
60%
Concern about the future
57%
Anxiety
45%
Sadness/depression
38%
Loneliness
27%
Anger
*BASED ON A SURVEY OF 1,001 U.S. CAREGIVERS. PERCENTAGES ARE SUM OF “TO SOME DEGREE” AND “A GREAT DEGREE” ANSWERS.
SOURCE: A LOOK AT U.S. CAREGIVERS’ MENTAL HEALTH, AARP, JULY 2023
AARP’s recent report, “A Look at U.S. Caregivers’ Mental Health,” asked people about the effect caregiving has on their physical and emotional health, their levels of stress and the ways they manage the pressure.
What we found is that most people said they were getting an adequate amount of support from friends and families, but that it didn’t alleviate some of the strain that comes with the responsibility of caring for a loved one.
More than half of those we surveyed said caregiving increased their level of stress, worry, concern for the future and anxiety.
The majority of caregivers with full-time jobs suffer from mental health challenges, and many said they are too burned out to do their jobs as well as they want to.
Clearly, America’s caregivers are suffering—often in silence.
At AARP, we understand the psychic burden that can accompany caregiving.
We know that women tend to deal with most of the load. And we know that young couples can be sandwiched between caring for their aging parents and their own children.
We hear your stories about having to choose between a job and caring for those you love.
AARP wants to make it our mission to be sure that America hears you as well, and that the country accelerates efforts to make your lives better.
While we applaud the growing bipartisan commitment to assist caregivers, we will continue to give voice to your struggle.
Just as airline safety instructions advise us to put on our oxygen masks before helping a child, we must equip caregivers to protect themselves as they face the rigors of their compassionate service to others.
I am optimistic we will continue to make progress.
In our survey, caregivers reported that despite the multitude of challenges they face, helping a family member or friend in need has a positive effect on their lives. It brings a sense of purpose and pride.
Caregiving spans the spectrum. It touches every race, religion and income bracket.
When we come together to lighten the burden for caregivers, we reaffirm what it means to be an American family. That is something we should all feel good about.
AARP RESOURCES
Family Caregivers Facebook Discussion Group
AARP maintains a Facebook group for caregivers to exchange information and support each other. To join, go to facebook.com/groups/aarpfamilycaregivers.
Family Caregiving Guides
Find tips on how to evaluate your loved one’s needs, access federal and national resources, and care for yourself as you offer caregiving support. Go to aarp.org/preparetocare.
State Caregiving Guides
Locate services, agencies and programs within your community at aarp.org/caregiverresourceguides.
Financial Workbook for Family Caregivers
Record your care recipient’s health care plan, powers of attorney, monthly budget and more. Go to aarp.org/caregivermoney.
“Care to Talk”
Learn how to approach and navigate difficult conversations by watching AARP’s video series. You can also create virtual “conversation cards” to get started. Visit caretotalk.aarp.org/intro.
“I Am a Caregiver”
Participate in AARP’s new grassroots initiative to engage caregivers and collectively urge lawmakers to fight for their interests, at aarp.org/iamacaregiver.
AARP SUPPORTS THESE POLICIES
Family caregiver tax credit
Caregivers provide $600 billion worth of free labor and also spend money on caregiving-related expenses. AARP supports the federal Credit for Caring Act, which would provide a tax credit of up to $5,000 for eligible caregivers. AARP also champions state tax credits.
Integrating caregivers into Medicare
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the GUIDE Model, which offers support for family caregivers of people with dementia. AARP supports a Medicare proposal to pay health care providers to offer caregiver training on how to bathe, dress and administer medications for loved ones, among other tasks.
Ensuring a high standard of care
Access to quality care and support for caregivers are key objectives driving AARP’s caregiving advocacy. These goals were highlighted in an executive order President Joe Biden signed in April.