- Almost 20% of caregivers reported a decline in the quality of care their relatives received as a direct result of the recession
- 14% of caregivers said they could not provide the same level of care during the past year than they had previously
- 43% of caregivers who work outside the home experienced paycuts or a reduction in work hours
- 15% lost their jobs
- 51% of the caregivers surveyed reported increased stress over caregiving duties as a result of the economic downturn
This is disturbing because not only are caregivers experiencing increased stress; those receiving care are also at greater risk for decreased health and well-being. Caregivers should take advantage of as many resources as they can during challenging economic times.
Source:
The Evercare survey of the economic downturn and its impact on family caregiving. UnitedHealthcare and the National Alliance on Caregiving. April 28, 2009. http://www.caregiving.org/data/EVC_Caregivers_Economy_Report%20FINAL_4-28-09.pdf
