Apr 2 • General discussion
11 Million Americans Do This Job for Free
There are over 11 million unpaid dementia caregivers in the United States.
They provide an estimated 18 billion hours of care per year.
The economic value of that care: over $340 billion annually.
And nobody is taking care of them.
I see it in my clinic every week. The patient comes in with their spouse or adult child. I assess the patient. I adjust medications. I update the care plan.
Then the caregiver walks out looking more exhausted than the patient.
What the research shows about dementia caregivers:
They are 2x more likely to develop depression
↳ They have higher rates of cardiovascular disease
↳ They report worse physical health than non-caregivers
↳ They have higher mortality rates
↳ 1 in 3 report symptoms of anxiety
The average dementia caregiver provides 30+ hours of unpaid care per week. Many provide 40-60. On top of their own jobs, families, and health needs.
What breaks my heart:
Most caregivers don't identify as caregivers. They say "I'm just taking care of my mom." They don't seek support because they don't think they qualify for it.
By the time they reach burnout, their own health has already been damaged.
What I've changed in my practice:
I now assess the caregiver at every visit. Not informally. Formally.
How are you sleeping?
Are you eating regular meals?
When did you last see your own doctor?
Do you have anyone who can give you a break this week?
If I can't take care of the caregiver, I can't take care of the patient. They're a unit.
What every caregiver needs to hear:
You are not selfish for needing help.
You are not failing if you feel overwhelmed.
Your health matters too, and neglecting it doesn't help anyone.
Respite care exists. Adult day programs exist. Support groups exist.
Asking for help is not giving up. It's the smartest thing you can do.
The system is not designed to support you. That doesn't mean support isn't available. It means you have to look for it.
And the people around you need to look for you.
This is one of my biggest arguments for earlier diagnosis - bringing in the cavalry to support the patient AND their support system. Otherwise, we see family structures breaking down and increasing distance between aging loved ones and the rest of their families.
💬 Are you a caregiver? What's the hardest part that nobody talks about?
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11 Million Americans Do This Job for Free
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