Americans are unpaid family caregivers
Research · Caregivers
The hidden loneliness of family caregivers
The people who care for an aging or unwell loved one often disappear from their own social lives. Caregiving cuts off friendships and routines, making caregivers highly vulnerable to chronic loneliness.
Key statistics
Why this matters
caregivers are more likely to be lonely than non-caregivers
caregivers report their own health is fair or poor
Why caregivers become isolated
Caregiving fills the hours that used to hold friendships, work, and rest. Many caregivers cannot leave home, decline invitations for months, and slowly lose the social network that once sustained them.
The toll it takes
The emotional and physical load of caregiving is linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, exhaustion, and worse physical health.
What helps
Respite, peer support, and a welcoming community reduce caregiver isolation. Knowing a loved one is cared for among friends gives the caregiver room to breathe.
How Senior Campus helps
Senior Campus gives older adults a warm community of their own, while also relieving the families who care for them.
Frequently asked questions
Are caregivers more likely to be lonely?
Yes. AARP Foundation research finds caregivers are more likely to be lonely than non-caregivers, largely because caregiving cuts them off from their own social lives.
How many family caregivers are there in the US?
Roughly 53 million Americans are unpaid family caregivers, according to AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving.
What reduces caregiver loneliness?
Respite from caregiving, peer support, community support, and trusted programs for the person they care for all help.
Sources
Verifiable sources
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