A profile of frail older Americans and their caregivers

The Impact of Elder Care on Women's Labor Supply

“…Adult daughters provide much of the care received by older Americans with long-term care needs, especially widowed adults who cannot turn to spouses for help. Nearly twothirds of unmarried frail adults age 65 and older receiving assistance with basic personal care obtained help from their daughters (Johnson and Wiener 2006). With the rise in women's employment, more caregivers now are balancing work activities with caregiving responsibilities.…”

“…Most older people with disabilities live in the community, not in nursing homes (Feder, Komisar, and Niefeld 2000), and receive care from family members, primarily wives and adult daughters (McGarry 1998). In fact about two-thirds of unpaid caregivers for elderly adults are women (Johnson and Wiener 2006). Declining mortality rates are increasing the number of elderly in the population, intensifying pressures on families, especially on women.…”

The Strains and Drains of Long-Term Care

“…This number would be even higher if family members-about 34 million in 2004-were not supplying much of the care for free [6]. This responsibility usually falls to adult children: daughters and daughters-in-law account for about 36 percent of unpaid caregivers to all older Americans, and sons and sons-in-law account for another 16 percent [7]. Nearly three-quarters of unmarried, older care recipients, most of whom are widowed, receive some assistance from their children.…”

“…On average, daughters who serve as primary caregivers to their frail older parents spend about 266 hours assisting with basic personal care and household chores each month [7], more than most people spend at full-time jobs. Caregiving typically lasts about 4 years [6].…”

“…About one-half of those caring for their aged parents are employed full time [7], and about 57 percent of those who are employed report that they sometimes have to go to work late, leave early, or take time off to attend to their care duties [6]. Another 17 percent found it necessary to take leaves of absence.…”