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Women in Caregiving Roles: Facts and Figures 

February 24, 2022

Women have always been the backbone of the family, taking on caregiving roles for their loved ones. In fact, according to a report by AARP, women are more likely than men to provide unpaid care for a parent, spouse, or another relative. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at women in caregiving roles: facts and figures.

When you think about the future, it’s important to consider how our aging society will affect everyone. In America, over 34 million women provide unpaid care for someone older than 50, and this number is only expected to grow in years ahead!

As mentioned earlier, the number of women providing unpaid care is expected to grow in the years to come. This is due in part to the growing population of aging adults. As more and more people enter into their golden years, the number of those in need of care will increase.

In addition, there is a growing trend of women having children later in life. This means that more women will simultaneously take on caregiving responsibilities for their children and aging parents.

Here are a Few Key Statistics About Women in Caregiving Roles

  • Women make up an estimated 66% of caregivers.
  • The average caregiver is a 49-year-old woman who works outside the home and gives her mother 20 hours of unpaid care every week.
  • Although men help, female caregivers may spend 50 percent more time providing care than male caregivers.
  • Women provide unpaid care worth anywhere from $148 billion to $188 billion each year.
  • 55 % of female caregivers are employed, and 19 percent have insurance coverage.

The Challenges Faced by Women in Caregiving Roles are Many and Varied

Women in caregiving roles face various challenges, including emotional stress, physical strain, and financial burden.

Financial Stress

Women who are caregivers have a tough time balancing work and family. A MetLife study in 2011 found that they lost an average of $142,693 in wages due to leaving the workforce early because caregiving responsibilities took up so much time- nearly double what it would cost them if they didn’t go through this process. The total impact on pensions was also alarming at just under 400k! These numbers must have grown significantly now, especially after the pandemic.

In our country, where 20% of all female workers are caregivers, it’s not surprising that there would affect their careers. They have to cope with competing demands from caregiving and work while still trying to fulfill other roles at home or in society- often having negative consequences if they decrease hours for either role too much!

Emotional Stress

Caregivers of older adults are often women, who experience more physical and mental distress than male caregivers. This may be partly because they’re responsible for informal care, not just about their loved ones’ needs but also making sure everything goes smoothly every day – from cooking meals to cleaning up after them!

The work can take its toll on you emotionally as well- especially if there’s no one else around when family members need help or advice.

Women face special risks associated with caregiving stress.

Physical Strain

Caregiving can be a tough job, and it’s not just the physical ailments that come with it. Researchers found that

  • More than one-third (34%) of caregivers report providing intense care for family and friends while suffering from poor health conditions.
  • 39% said they had difficulty filling prescriptions due to costs compared to non-caregivers, who are 26%.
  • A 1999 study suggested women caring for loved ones experience worse effects on aging because family members mean more added stress and anxiety.

Receiving less support altogether or going through hard times together makes this path much harder.

The Reality of Minority and Low-Income Caregivers

As per the study made by the National Partnership for Women & families, more than half of all direct care workers are women of color, with Black (28%), Hispanic or Latino (21%), and Other (9%) women accounting for 54% of the total caregivers in the United States.

Caregivers’ Resources and Support

Several support groups are researching and producing resources to assist family carers. For additional information, support and tools, check the links below.

AARP – Caregiver Action Network

National Alliance for Caregiving

Family Caregiver Alliance

We hope this article is insightful about Women in Caregiving roles: Facts and figures in the United States.

Importance of Self-care for a Woman Caregiver

Self-Care is Important as a caregiver can be psychologically draining when you offer emotional support and care to your elderly loved one. Moreover, you may experience anxiety and helplessness, leading to the caregiver’s guilt. Family Caregivers often carry undeserved guilt, believing they aren’t providing enough personal care for their loved ones. Hence if you or your loved one is struggling with caregiver duties, you can provide a quality care plan by a professional caregiver.

Take a Break From Your Daily Caregiving Routine

As a home caregiver, it is very important to take a break from your daily routine. Home Care powered by AUAF has been a trusted Home Care Agency for 25 years in the Chicagoland area. Our caregivers can help organize activities and social companionship for your elderly when you break.

Our in-home caregivers will engage in quality long-term care and provide different levels of care so that you can take a well-deserved break.

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