Caregiving

The Caregiving Crisis

Caregiving can be a rewarding experience, providing the opportunity for loved ones to grow closer and to feel the pride of being able to help. At the same time, the physical, financial, emotional, and psychological strain of caregiving can have wide-reaching impact on the family and friends of caregivers.

To understand and share the perspectives of care recipients, familial caregivers and their wider support network, Genworth conducted its latest Beyond Dollars Study in April 2021. The study looks at information and insights provided by 1,325 participants qualifying as Familial Caregivers, Care Recipients, and Knowledgeable Family Members.

Ronda's Story

 

The reasons one might need care vary. The needs are severe and long-lasting.

"He fell down 3 times in a 2-month period, had a pacemaker installed, needed to go to rehabilitation home/nursing home where he passed after 5 weeks. He couldn’t rehab (walk) whatsoever, also contracted COVID there, but did not pass because of COVID. He passed from Coronary Heart Disease."

Care Recipient's Daughter

3.5 Years

Reported average duration of a loved one's need for long-term care.

49%

of Caregivers reported that their loved one required assistance with “most facets” of daily living.

Who Are The Caregivers?

48%      52%
Female   Male

54% of Caregivers are between the ages of 25-54 with an average age of 51.

40% of Caregivers are likely an adult child taking care of an aging parent.

The Negative Effect On Caregivers

57% of Caregivers have children under the age of 18 at home.

31% of Caregivers with children said caregiving negatively affected their relationship with their children.

72% of Caregivers are married of in long-term partnerships.

43% of partnered Caregivers said caregiving negatively affected their relationship with their spouse/partner.

55% of Caregivers were employed full-time when their loved one required care. 

51% of employed Caregivers said caregiving negatively affected their ability to do their jobs.

icon data percentage
leaf iconmobile leaf icon

Health & Well-Being

 

High Levels of Stress

48%

Health and Well-Being Impacted

51%

money icon mobile money icon

Finances

 

Paying for care with their own savings/retirement funds

66%

Reducing the base quality of living

53%

briefcase icon mobile briefcase icon

Career

 

Reported repeated absences

27%

Missed career opportunities

24%

"I did have to give up my full time job and take on a part time one."

Familial Caregiver

Benefits of Planning

The Beyond Dollars research PDF. Opens in a new window has shown that having a long-term care plan, whether it was a Long Term Care Insurance policy or simply a plan to handle care if needed, could have helped alleviate some of the emotional, financial and physical stress of what can often be a difficult situation.

Even among those who had prepared, over 78% caregivers wish they had taken steps sooner.

"Prepare as early as you can and have a plan in place, if possible."

Caregiver Daughter

 

Beyond Dollars Study



 

Are you one of the millions of caregivers wondering about the toll caregiving takes on your health, your family life, and your career? Our latest research findings will be a powerful reminder that you're not alone.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE beyond dollarsSTUDYPDF opens in new window

Next Steps

Learn from others and lower your stress.

 

"Let's Talk" are the two most important words you can say to an aging loved one.

Understand more about long term care (LTC), who is affected, and why you need it.

206401A2A 11/22/21