Dementia Caregiving

If you are a member of the media, please contact the Alliance at (301) 718-8444.

Nearly one million of Americas 44 million family caregivers are currently caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Dementia is the second most prevalent condition that requires the assistance of a family caregiver.

For this reason, the National Alliance for Caregiving has commissioned a white paper on dementia caregiving in the United States, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association and with data analysis from Greenwald & Associates. It is made possible through generous sponsorship from Home Instead and Lilly. The paper will compile dementia-specific data from Caregiving in the U.S. 2015, a joint project by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP Public Policy Institute. The Caregiving in the U.S. report surveyed more than 1,200 family caregivers and identified common challenges facing the caregiving community, including difficulty conducting medical and nursing tasks, challenges with balancing career and caregiving responsibilities, and financial strain.

Report & National Webinar

Dementia Caregiving in the US Report (Download PDF)

The report, from the National Alliance for Caregiving in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, draws on a nationally representative data set to identify the special challenges of a friend or family member caring for a loved one with dementia. Highlights include:

  • 22% of America’s nearly 44 million caregivers provide care to someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
  • The majority of dementia caregivers are women (58%). They are on average 54 years old caring for a relative age 77.2 years old.
  • Most dementia caregivers support a relative (88%), usually a parent (42%), a spouse or partner (12%) or a parent-in-law (11%).
  • On average, dementia caregivers provide care for 28 hours per week. They help with more activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, on average, than non-dementia caregivers.
  • A majority of dementia caregivers (67%) report that they do medical/nursing tasks, like administering injections and tube feedings, and catheter and colostomy care. Of those who perform medical/nursing tasks, a majority (53%) feels that they were not prepared to complete the task at hand while 14% feel that were adequately prepared.
  • Over half (57%) of dementia caregivers work full time and, on average, work 34.9 hours weekly.

Want to learn more about dementia caregiving? Join our webinar.

Dementia Caregiving in the U.S.will be presented via webinar in  April 2017. Please check back soon for more details.

Resources for Dementia Caregivers

Are you caring for a loved one with dementia? These resources may be very helpful to you.

Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association works on a global, national and local level to provide care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. They offer help through a professionally staffed 24/7 Helpline (1.800.272.3900), face-to-face support groups and educational sessions in communities nationwide, and comprehensive online resources and information through the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center.

About Our Partners

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate
Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of
dementia through the promotion of brain health.

About Greenwald & Associates

Greenwald & Associates is a leading full-service research firm with industry expertise in healthcare, financial services, & employee benefits. Conducting customized research for over 30 years, Greenwald & Associates has earned a reputation for extensive research knowledge, industry expertise, and commitment to serving the needs of our clients. For more information, please visit www.greenwaldresearch.com.

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