64% of all caregivers are taking care of a parent or grandparent, and 14% are taking care of a spouse or partner. 68% of caregivers do not live with the care recipient.
Of the caregivers that also use paid in-home help rely on a home health aide or CNA (certified nursing assistant.) One third use an independent provider such as someone that does in-home care as their job but doesn’t work for an agency specializing in long term care. It may also be a family member that is paid to live in-home and provide care.
The majority of caregivers provide emotional support, transportation, care decisions, and meal preparation. Nearly 60% have difficulty paying for care. Half of caregivers find it difficult to provide daily living needs such as bathing, shaving, restroom, etc.
Family caregivers often worry about their workplace responsibilities, scheduling doctor visits, and getting emotional support for their loved one. It is no surprise then that many caregivers hire a home health aide or CNA to help lessen the burden.
The main reasons why a family caregiver hires a CNA or other professional is due to feeling burnt out, job performance concerns, and wanting to have a relationship with their family member other than caregiver. Family caregivers often feel they lack expertise to provide care. Caregivers that do not hire professional help to assist their family member (but could afford to do so) state that they feel a responsibility to provide all care. They also state that the loved one resists the idea of a stranger in their home.
Individuals that have had a loved one in the past require long-term care are more likely to purchase long-term care insurance.
Some employers offer programs to help the family caregiver such as Homethrive. Homethrive offers employees an online resource to access the coordination of care and support services the employee needs to better serve their loved one at home.