A USA TODAY/ABC News/Gallup Poll of baby boomers finds that 41% who have a living parent are providing care for them — either financial help, personal care or both — and 8% of boomers say their parents have moved in with them.

Of those who are not caring for an aging parent, 37% say they expect to do so in the future. About half say they’re concerned about being able to provide such care.

FULL RESULTS: USA TODAY/ABC News/Gallup Poll

It’s estimated that 34 million Americans serve as unpaid caregivers for other adults, usually elderly relatives, and that they spend an average 21 hours a week helping out, according to a study being released today by AARP. Millions more grown children are calling regularly, flying into town every few weeks or months or just stopping by to take Mom or Dad to the doctor.”

“The National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) estimates that $659,000 per person is lost in pensions, Social Security benefits and wages as adult children — mainly women — take time off from work to care for their parents.

The physical toll can be severe, too. Caregivers report having one or more chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, at nearly twice the rate of all Americans. Of those who say their health has worsened because of caregiving, 91% report depression.” (source: USA Today)

June 3rd Rebbekah White and I talked about my 6 year journey of taking care of my father with Vascular Dementia on Heal Yourself Talk Radio (click to listen to show), part 2 was to air on Journey to Self on June 5th because of technical issues the show was only 18 minutes (click to listen to show).

On Thursday June 26th @ 10am pst/ 11am mnt/ 12pm cst/ 1pm cst on Journey to Self we will be concluding our discussion on taking care of ill or aging family members. Tune in LIVE at http://blogtalkradio.com/journeytoself, I will be joined by Rebbekah White and Tammy from Rock County Alzheimer’s Support Team, who will be sharing information on resources, support, and tips for caregivers.

 

Filed under: Upcoming shows