Seniorly released a study on March 16, 2022, on Caregiver Fatigue in America using the most recent data from the Census Bureau, CDC, WHO and the Genworth Cost of Care Study. The study shows a record 42 million Americans are serving as family caregivers and facing unprecedented stress, spending an average of 26% of household income taking care of loved ones.
Caring for family members has always been difficult. Since COVID-19, it has gotten exponentially harder having to care more for seniors and children while working.
The WHO reported on March 2 that the pandemic triggered a 25% increase in anxiety and depression worldwide. As the pandemic turns endemic, caregivers need relief.
Key National Findings:
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Family caregivers spend an average of 26% of household income, that increases in minority communities to 34% for African Americans and 47% for Latinos.
- 5 Most Expensive States to Hire Outside Caregivers: Minnesota ($44,460), Washington ($42,956), Colorado ($41,808), California and New Hampshire are tied ($39,936)
- 5 States with the Most Multigenerational Homes: Hawaii (7.3%), California (5.8%), Texas (4.9%), Mississippi (4.7%), and Maryland (4.6%).
- 5 States with the Bigger Nursing Shortage: Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, South Carolina, and Oregon.
4 Tips for Caregiver Fatigue:
- Consider Respite Care: Respite care can provide short-term care to give primary caretakers a break. Some senior communities offer short-term stays, which is a great way to “try out” senior living and there are organizations that provide respite grants to help offset the cost.
- Take Advantage of Technology: Smart home devices make it simpler to keep an eye on elderly loved ones at home. Services such as UberEATS and Instacart can take important errands off your hands; Gogo Grandparent helps seniors use smartphone apps, like Lyft or Uber, without a smartphone; and apps such as Genie MD and Caregiving App are specifically designed to help caregivers keep track of tasks.
- Investigate Your State’s Medicare Offerings: Some states, like California, offer program’s like Medi-Cal’s In-Home Supportive Services. This program can help you pay for necessary care in your own home, like housekeeping, meal prep, laundry, and personal care like help with bathing and grooming.
- Ask for Help and be Specific: Most people want to help their friends and family but don’t know how. If you are overwhelmed, it is critical to ask for help. Determine what needs to be done and assign people specific tasks.
Download the report, “Caregiver Fatigue in America.”
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