Among working caregivers, more than half have made at least some work-related changes to accommodate the demands of caregiving

·        Modifying work schedule

·        Going in to work late

·        Leaving work early

·        Taking time off during the day

o       26% have had to take a leave of absence due to caregiving responsibilities

o       30 % have had to give up work entirely

o       15 % took early retirement

·        If the work of caregivers had to be replaced by paid home care staff, the estimated cost would be $45-$94 billion per year

·        Because caregiving is such an emotionally draining experience, caregivers experience depression at 3 times the rate of others in their own age group, and they are more likely to become physically ill themselves

·        Female caregivers are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and other symptoms associated with emotional stress

·        A study of elderly spousal caregivers (age 66-96) found that caregivers who experience mental or emotional strain have a 63% higher risk of dying than non-caregivers

·        31% of those caring for persons 65+ describe their own physical health as “fair to poor”

·        Studies show that among caregivers, an estimated 46%-59% are clinically depressed

·        Approximately 49% of female caregivers and 31% of male caregivers experience depression as a result of caregiving