[ Home | FAQ | Ten Tips | Stress Test | Self-Rating Scale | Survey Results ]

NFCA Study of American Family Caregivers

In 1994 the National Family Caregivers Association undertook a study of American family caregivers. Though not limited to CFS caregivers, the results are illuminating:

• 77% of caregivers have multiple responsibilities, including full- or part-time employment, well child care, and household chores.

• 47% of those surveyed have been family caregiver for 6 years or more.

• 57% expect to be caregivers for the rest of their lives.

• 88% of family caregivers consider providing emotional support to be their primary caregiving responsibility. 73% provide transportation, 63% guardianship, 55% help with activities of daily living.

• 65% of family caregivers do not receive consistent help from family members.

• Over 40% of family caregivers consider the loss of leisure time, feelings of isolation, and the change in family dynamics to be the most burdensome aspects of caregiving.

• 30% of caregivers feel taken for granted by their loved ones, while 46% feel appreciated.

• Over half of the survey respondents said that affordable respite care and help with household chores would be most helpful to them.