Hi! All,
I want to thank you for signing and sharing this petition. It National Family CareGiver Month. Although, I don't think there are many family caregivers feeling celebratory. We do not need a month of acknowledgement. We need regular ongoing and affordable respite care, financial compensation,and health care. I am including in this post an article that was posted by A PLace For Mom. They too are concerned by what is occuring. The time is now to act. because the signs are unmistakable; a monumental crisis is upon us.
As we enter National Family Caregivers Month, A Place for Mom (APFM), a trusted advisory service and a leading online platform for caregivers in search of senior care solutions, has unveiled the findings from its 2023 State of Caregiving in the U.S. Survey. This survey paints a dire picture, shedding light on the growing hardships faced by the 41 million family caregivers across America. The results underscore the urgent need for enhanced support and resources to tackle the rising challenges on the horizon.
According to the 2023 State of Caregiving Survey by A Place for Mom, a staggering 82% of caregivers are placing their physical, mental, and financial well-being at risk, with the majority prioritizing their parents' needs over their own. This is a clear indicator of a burgeoning caregiving crisis that is affecting families nationwide. An overwhelming 96% of family caregivers are grappling with emotional exhaustion due to the day-to-day demands of caregiving. Furthermore, 75% of those who were previously employed have either reduced their work hours significantly or have had to quit their jobs entirely to provide care.
Tatyana Zlotsky, President at A Place for Mom, emphasized the significance of these findings, saying, "The results of the 2023 State of Caregiving Survey reveal the harsh realities faced by many caregivers in their journey of caring for aging parents. Caregivers should not endure this burden in silence, and we are committed to raising awareness about this crucial issue and ensuring that caregivers are informed about the resources available to support them on this challenging path."
Key Insights from the 2023 State of Caregiving Survey:
The Senior Care Dilemma
76% of respondents felt unprepared to take on the role of caregiver for their aging parents.
An astonishing 82% had to make sacrifices, including compromising their mental health, in order to provide adequate care.
A significant 75% of caregivers who were previously employed had to divert their attention away from work or resign from their jobs to fulfill their caregiving duties.
Despite their sacrifices, 68% still believe they cannot consistently provide the required level of care.
Family Caregivers in Crisis
A staggering 96% of caregivers are emotionally drained due to the unceasing balancing act between caregiving importance and the everyday challenges, with over half (54%) feeling emotionally drained frequently or constantly.
61% face the dual challenge of caring for their parents or in-laws while simultaneously managing the needs of their children or grandchildren.
Despite 77% needing assistance from professional caregivers, only 27% currently benefit from this vital support.
More than 4 out of 5 caregivers (84%) find certain aspects of caregiving and future care planning challenging, particularly comprehending the diverse care alternatives and selecting the best option for their loved ones (44%).
Time to Prepare for Future Care
Understanding the hardships linked to caregiving prompts proactive preparations for their own future needs in 77% of caregivers as they age.
Sue Johansen, Executive Vice President, Community Network at A Place for Mom, reiterated, "It's evident that when families lack the essential resources to ensure the safety and well-being of their aging loved ones, it can exact a heavy toll on their personal welfare." Please sign and share this petition with others.