Family Caregiver
Learn more about the impact of family caregiving and find the services and support you need to make the transition into this important role easier.
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, an estimated 53 million adults are providing care to an adult family member. In large part family members are untrained and unpaid for the assistance and support they are providing. Forty percent of those families live in multi-generational homes. When illness or advanced age impacts an individual’s ability to accomplish activities of daily living (ADLs) traditional roles often shift to focus on the provision of care. Spouses are often the first to care for each other, and as both spouses live longer, adult children become increasingly involved in providing care for their parents.
The vast majority of family caregivers are unpaid, however as the population ages, an increasing number of states are recognizing the benefit of providing services and support to family caregivers to avoid the high costs of placement in long-term care facilities.
Find information and tips from AgingCare’s experts and get advice and support from other family caregivers in our online Caregiver Forum.
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, an estimated 53 million adults are providing care to an adult family member. In large part family members are untrained and unpaid for the assistance and support they are providing. Forty percent of those families live in multi-generational homes. When illness or advanced age impacts an individual’s ability to accomplish activities of daily living (ADLs) traditional roles often shift to focus on the provision of care. Spouses are often the first to care for each other, and as both spouses live longer, adult children become increasingly involved in providing care for their parents.
The vast majority of family caregivers are unpaid, however as the population ages, an increasing number of states are recognizing the benefit of providing services and support to family caregivers to avoid the high costs of placement in long-term care facilities.
Find information and tips from AgingCare’s experts and get advice and support from other family caregivers in our online Caregiver Forum.
Family Caregiver Articles
Caregiver Statistics: Facts About Family Caregivers
Millions of Americans step into the role of family caregiver without really thinking about this label or fully understanding the responsibilities and sacrifices that come with it.
0 CommentsAm I a Caregiver? Defining the Family Caregiver Role
Many individuals struggle to accept the label of “family caregiver,” but fully embracing this role increases our chances of succeeding in it.
5 CommentsHow to Get Paid to Be a Caregiver for Parents
Interested in taking care of elderly parents at home and getting paid? There are many resources that pay family caregivers for their services.
219 Comments6 Pieces of Wisdom Nurses Often Share with New Family Caregivers
More than any other medical professionals, nurses spend the most time providing hands-on care for patients and interacting with family caregivers. Here’s a list of six elder care insights that nurses share with family members who are new to caregiving.
12 CommentsHow I Stopped Resenting My Siblings as a Family Caregiver
A caregiver explores how she let go of anger, resentment and jealousy toward her siblings that was damaging her family relationships and hindering her ability to care for her aging parents.
78 Comments
Family Caregiver Questions
Do caregivers forgive and forget?
24 AnswersDaughterof1930 Replied 1 min agoIs anyone out there who is a healthy woman in her 70's taking care of her ailing spouse?
7 AnswersLostinPlace Answered 59 min agoWhat is the one thing that bothers you the most about caregiving?
1,941 AnswersPeasuep Answered 3 hours agoMy Mother is so overly critical and negative. It’s having a real impact on my mental health and I don’t know how to cope.
24 AnswersMargaretMcKen Replied 12 hours ago
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Family Caregiver Discussions
What's for dinner?
13,461 CommentsPeasuep Commented 6 min agoMy "whine moment today." What's yours?
33,213 CommentsPeasuep Commented 4 hours agoVery overwhelmed! [Update]
3 CommentsAlvaDeer Commented Nov 16, 2024The Caregiver & Dysfunctional Families: How are you doing?
34,309 CommentsAlvaDeer Commented Nov 15, 2024
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Frequently Asked Questions about Family Caregiver
Q: What is a family caregiver?
Family caregivers are individuals who step in to care for an aging parent or ill loved one. Oftentimes, caregivers take on the role without training, experience or pay for the assistance they provide. Read more: Who are family caregivers?
Q: Can I get paid for caregiving for my parents?
Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer. The vast majority of family caregivers do not get paid to care for an elderly loved one. However, there are a few options available that may allow a family member to receive payment in exchange for the care they provide. Learn more: How to Get Paid for Being a Family Caregiver
Q: Mom and Dad need help at home. Where do I start?
Learn how to discuss long-term care planning, form a care team, create a caregiving strategy using a printable daily care plan template, and find elder care professionals who can provide support as you carry out your plan. See more: Set Yourself Up For Success as a Caregiver
Q: How do I say no to caregiving?
Caregivers are nurturing people who often put other's needs before their own, so where do you draw a line and say 'I can do this much and no more'? Read more: Saying No to Being a Caregiver
Q: How can I get siblings to help take care of our parents?
It can be disheartening when you reach out to siblings for help and support, but they only offer up excuses. Take an objective look at their reasons for staying at arm’s length and learn how you can get everyone on the same page. Read the Top 3 Excuses From Siblings Who Don't Help with Caregiving