A new study by Cambia Health Solutions “redefines” the modern caregivers by taking a close look at caregiving responsibilities along with personal and professional duties.
“Wired for Care: The New Face of Caregiving in America” found that “the impact of caregiving goes beyond caring for the seriously ill.” In fact, CEO Mark Ganz said that this research and the understanding of “what caregivers face as they juggle multiple responsibilities” can help the caregivers live well and better serve those for whom they care.
This study consisted of two surveys in the United States, one with 1,506 respondents and the other with approximately 950 respondents.
This Might Surprise You
We think we know who is providing unpaid care in the home for loved ones, but data shows some assumptions can be wrong. According the Cambia findings:
Only 16% of care recipients are over the age of 65
11% of care recipients need care due to a short-term illness or medical condition
43% of caregivers say they do it out of love
35% of caregivers report that while caregiving is hard work, these responsibilities increase joy
76% of caregivers gave up or put an important life event on hold while they focused on caregiving (these include sacrificing fitness, hobbies, and advancing in a career)
Is This You?
As more and more caregivers toggle between work and unpaid care responsibilities, something’s gotta give. The study found out where this duality is taking its toll:
41% of caregivers reported going to work late or leaving early or taking time off to deliver care instead
24% of caregivers reduced their work hours or took a less demanding job to be able to care for someone
14% of these caregivers received a warning at work about their attendance
14% of caregivers surveyed said that they had to turn down a promotion at work
In fact, some caregivers described their caregiving as a second full-time job—one with no training and the same or more amount of stress.
What’s your takeaway from this study? There seems to be greater awareness in society and therefore by employers that caregiving is an important responsibility for many adults.
