Millennials: A New Generation of Caregivers
At some point in our lives, all of us will play the role of either a caregiver or care receiver. That should not be news! What should be in the news is that the profile of who is taking on the job of family caretaking has been changing radically over the past decade.
So what constitutes “caregiving?” Supporting someone through finances, daily chores, transportation, health regimes, and emotional encouragement all constitute care. Often, these roles develop slowly as needs increase. People might even be surprised to discover that they have taken on a caregiver responsibility. If you are engaged in managing daily details for a loved one, providing supervision and safety, relaying information and updates among family or friends, attending to personal care needs, or managing the shopping, errands, and medical appointments for someone, YOU have taken on the duties of a caregiver.
Whichever side of the equation we fall on, the need for timely information and education about the well-worn path of caregiving is a necessity. No one needs to feel as though they are the first ones to take the plunge into the challenge of providing a remedy for diminished daily capacities.
With that in mind, it is worth reviewing what recent research can tell us. In 2018, the AARP Public Policy Institute published a study, “Millenials: The Emerging Generation of Family Caregivers.” The report shared some interesting trends. Of the 40 million adults who give unpaid care across the U.S., one quarter are young people in their early 20’s to late 30’s. These surprising numbers indicate a need to re-evaluate social policies to see if they are relevant to those providing the care. Some facts worth noting include:
70% of millennial caregivers are employed outside the home, spending on average 21/hrs a week on caregiving tasks - an extra half-time job. 1 in 3 earns less than $30,000 a year. Of the 1,200 millennials surveyed, the average amount spent of personal earnings on caregiving was $6,800.
Unlike 47% of the older generation caregivers, millennials tend to keep their caregiving responsibilities private, with only 19% sharing with co-workers and less than half confiding in a supervisor.
1 in 3 millennials supports an individual with mental or emotional difficulties, 33% compared with 18% of older caregivers. These cases present a higher level of emotional, physical, and financial strain for the caregiver.
More than 1/2 of millennial caregivers are of Latino/African American/Asian American/Pacific Islander descent-the most diverse group of family caregivers to date.
This data raises questions about how the younger generation can manage the high demands of family caregiving while launching lives and careers. As Jean Accius, PhD, Vice President of the AARP Public Policy Institute explains, “Caregiving responsibilities can have an impact on the futures of younger family caregivers, who are at a particular time in their lives when pivotal social and professional networks are being formed.” As a policy expert, she encourages us as a society to “consider the unique needs of millennial family caregivers and ensure that they are included in programs and have the support they need to care for themselves as well as their loved ones.”
How do we move forward thoughtfully? Here in Orange County we have the benefits of a strong system of programs at the Orange County Department on Aging. Services include an Aging Helpline, caregiver support groups, dementia education, consultation services, and access to a trained social worker to consider transitions in housing and care. Being aware of this passing of the torch to a younger generation and their unique challenges can make a difference in shaping programs and policies that help us all through the transitions ahead.
As you deal with these changes, remember that the team at Hillsborough Wills & Trusts has the expertise to help you Build Your Circle of Security through strong legal documents and good counsel. We are here to help you succeed!
Call us at 919-245-8440 or contact us at our website: https://hillsboroughwills.com/contact
If you or someone you know is in a caregiving role and seeking for more information or resources, a number of articles and links can be found below.
https://www.asaging.org/blog/hopes-heroes-real-life-stories-millennial-caregivers
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/home-care/info-2018/millennial-caregivers-work-life.html
https://www.co.orange.nc.us/169/Caregiver-Support-Services
https://www.co.orange.nc.us/DocumentCenter/View/9078/2020-Caregiver-Support-Group-Schedule-PDF