Aging in place drives family caregiving, but at what cost?

"Thirty-nine percent of lower-income adults in this group report being caregivers, compared with 23% of middle-income and 16% of upper-income adults. Women also are more likely than men to take on these responsibilities. Among adults with an aging parent, spouse or partner, 28% of women describe themselves as caregivers compared with 23% of men."

"Women who care for aging parents also report more negative effects than men. Among caregivers regularly helping a parent, 47% of women said caregiving has harmed their emotional wellbeing versus 30% of men. In terms of physical health, 38% of female caregivers reported negative impacts compared with 26% of male caregivers."

"Caregivers provide a wide range of assistance. Among those caring for an aging parent, 68% said they regularly help with at least one of the tasks included in the survey. More than half of parental caregivers (52%) regularly help with errands, housework or home repairs. Forty-two percent assist with managing health care and 39% regularly help with finances."

Caregiving for aging relatives is unevenly distributed across income and gender lines. Lower-income adults with aging parents, spouses, or partners are nearly 2.5 times more likely to serve as caregivers compared to upper-income adults. Women are more likely than men to take on caregiving roles and experience greater negative effects on their emotional and physical health. Caregivers provide diverse assistance including errands, housework, health care management, financial help, and personal care. While men report more positive emotional effects from caregiving, women report substantially higher rates of emotional and physical harm. Many caregivers develop deeper bonds with those they care for.

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