A Place for Mom Report Reveals Crisis for Families Caring for Aging Parents

NEW YORK—As November is recognized as National Family Caregivers Month, A Place for Mom (APFM), an online platform for caregivers seeking senior care options, has released the findings of its 2023 State of Caregiving in the U.S. Survey. To draw attention to the challenges faced by the 41 million family caregivers in the country, the survey results reveal new information about the increasing obstacles caregivers are overcoming, highlighting the pressing need for more support and resources.

According to the 2023 State of Caregiving Survey from A Place for Mom, 82% of caregivers reported their physical, mental and financial well-being is at risk, with a large majority putting their parents’ needs above their own. The finding points to an acute caregiving crisis for families caring for aging parents across the country. A staggering 96% of family caregivers feel emotionally drained from the day-to-day challenges of caregiving. And 75% who were employed prior to assuming the caregiver role said they have less time to focus on work or have had to quit their jobs altogether to provide care.

“The 2023 State of Caregiving Survey results point to the hard truths that many caregivers face while caring for their aging parents,” said Tatyana Zlotsky, president at A Place for Mom. “Caregivers don’t need to suffer in silence and there are many options that can help them navigate the process. We want to bring awareness to this important issue and ensure that caregivers are aware of resources available to support them as they navigate this complex journey.”

Highlights from the 2023 State of Caregiving Survey:*

The Senior Care Dilemma

• Three out of four people surveyed (76%) were not fully prepared to take on the role of caregiver for their aging parent(s)
• 82% have had to make sacrifices to provide adequate care, putting their own needs behind their parents’ needs, including 39% who have let their own mental health suffer
• And 75% who were employed prior to assuming the caregiver role said they have less time to focus on work or have had to quit their jobs altogether to provide care
• Despite these personal and professional sacrifices, 68% still feel they cannot always provide the necessary and adequate care

Family Caregivers in Crisis

• An overwhelming 96% of caregivers feel emotionally drained from balancing the importance of caregiving with the realities of the day-to-day challenges, and more than half (54%) feel emotionally drained often or all the time
• 61% face the double challenge of caring for their parent or in-law while managing the needs of their children or grandchildren
• While 77% need help from a professional caregiver (at home or in a senior living community), just 27% currently have this professional support
• More than four in five caregivers (84%) find aspects of caregiving and future care planning difficult to navigate, especially understanding the different care options and what is best for their loved one (44%)

Time to Prepare for Future Care

• Having a greater understanding of the challenges associated with caregiving spurs most caregivers (77%) to proactively take steps to prepare for their own future needs as they age

“It’s clear that when families lack the necessary resources to make sure their aging loved ones are safe and well cared for, it can take a tremendous toll on their own personal welfare,” said Sue Johansen, executive vice president, community network at A Place for Mom. “A Place for Mom provides a critical service to help family caregivers understand and navigate the complexity of finding the right senior solution.”

A Place for Mom offers a 24/7 caregiver hotline to provide personalized support and help families weigh their options. Its network, with more than 18,000 senior living communities and home care providers, enables its experts to match each family with the right options based on their unique needs. For more information, visit aplaceformom.com.

*A Place for Mom commissioned a nationwide online survey conducted by Wakefield Research from Sept. 22–Oct. 5, 2023. More than 1,000 self-described caregivers participated in the survey, providing valuable insights into the difficulties faced by family caregivers.