Caregivers reported in a Gallup survey that they spend a lot of time on different tasks and errands related to looking after the care recipient. The majority of caregivers (55%) in the Gallup study reported they had been providing care for three years or more.
The average spent on shopping, food preparation, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and giving medication was 13 days per month. Caregivers spend fewer days on average, six per month, performing personal tasks, (eating, dressing, or helping with bathroom tasks). They also reported that they spend an estimated 13 hours per month researching care services or information on disease, coordinating physician visits or managing financial matters.
Tasks and Errands: Statistics
The Home Alone study, a study of family caregivers who provide complex chronic care, found that nearly half of the caregivers surveyed (46%) performed medical & nursing tasks. More than 96% also provided activities of daily living support (e.g., personal hygiene, dressing/undressing, or getting in and out of bed) or instrumental activities of daily living (e.g., taking prescribed medications, shopping for groceries, transportation or using technology) supports, or both. Of these caregivers nearly two-thirds did all three types of tasks. Of the non-medical family caregivers, two-thirds provided instrumental activities of daily living assistance only.
Caregivers in the Home Alone study also reported which tasks were more difficult comparing activities of daily living with more clinical tasks and 67% found using incontinence equipment, or supplies, and administering enemas more difficult. While 66% reported wound care was difficult, (bandages, ointment, prescription drugs for skin care, treating pressure sores, or post-surgical wounds) or ostomy care. Thirdly, 61% of caregivers reported managing medications, including IV & injections difficult.
Caregivers when asked if they had a choice to perform clinical tasks 57% of caregivers in the Home Alone study reported no, but stated that it was self-imposed: 43% felt it was their personal responsibility for reasons such as no one else to do it, or insurance wouldn’t pay a professional. 12% said pressure came from the care receiver and 8% said it came from another family member.
Aging is a process we all go through together. Eldercare services can help you save time and money with tasks and errands as we guide your through the maze of options and show you a variety of solutions that meet your needs.
[Home Alone: Family Caregivers Providing Complex Chronic Care, AARP with United Health Hospital Fund October 2012]