AARP&you NEWS ; EVENTS ; PERKS
Research
Report
CAREGIVERS’ WISH LIST
WHAT WOULD EASE THE BURDEN FOR MILLIONS OF FAMILIES?
Money, time off, and a
little extra help top the
wish list for caregivers
seeking ways to better
manage all their responsibilities, according to a
recent report, “Caregiving
in the U.S. 2009.” There
are a lot of helpers who
could use a hand: the
study reports that 65. 7
million Americans are
assisting family members or friends with basic
activities—shopping for
groceries, driving to appointments, doing housework, managing finances—all without pay. On
average these volunteers
spend 20. 4 hours a week
helping their loved ones,
while nearly three quarters of them also hold
down a job, juggling work
and family commitments.
LEARN MORE For a look
at the special challenges
male caregivers face, see
“The Secret Caregivers,”
on page 60.
15%
LEAVE OF
ABSENCE
Take a partially
paid, six-week
leave of absence
from work
56%
TAX RELIEF
Claim a $3,000
caregiver’s
tax credit
18%
ASSESSMENT
OF NEEDS
Get help to
connect
to needed
services
21%
DRIVER SERVICE
Have an outside
agency help with
transportation
chores
26%
RESPITE CARE
Let a qualified
replacement
take over for
a while
66%
of family caregivers
with jobs have arrived
late, left early, or taken
time off during the day
for caregiving issues.
The percentages show the top two preferences of
caregivers responding to a list of choices.
“Caregiving in the U.S. 2009” was conducted by the
National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration
with AARP and funded by the MetLife Foundation.
For the full report, visit aarp.org/caregivingus.
