Quick Facts

A successful work and family agenda requires a deep understanding of the challenges faced by American workers. National statistics on work and family issues help facilitate an understanding of the challenges facing working families today. These can be used to push for changes at the workplace. Here are some quick facts on Elder Care.

Americans are now living longer and are becoming more reliant on their children and family members for assistance. American workers find themselves spending more time taking care of the day-to-day or health needs of their parents or other elders in the family.

  • By 2008, 2 in 3 Americans under the age of 60 are expected to become caregivers for elders.
  • 44.4 million caregivers provide unpaid care to another adult.
  • Almost one in five caregivers provides 40 or more hours of care per week.
  • 39% of caregivers are men.
  • 60% of caregivers work full time.
  • The average length of care is 4.3 years. 30% of caregivers report providing care for more than 5 years.
  • 59% of caregivers have worked at some point while providing care. Of these, 62% had to make some work related adjustments in order to help the person they care for.
  • 57% of working caregivers say that as a result of their caregiving responsibilities they have had to go to work late, leave early, or take time off during the day to provide care.
  • Caregivers unmet needs include finding time for themselves, managing emotional and physical stress, and balancing work and family responsibilities.
© 2007 Labor Project for Working Families