By Joseph Shapiro on National Public Radio’s health blog:

A new study finds that nearly one in three American adults serves as a caregiver for an elderly or disabled loved one, performing what amounts to an unpaid half-time job. On average, those caregivers spend about 19 hours a week providing care.

The survey, sponsored by the AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving,  found that family caregiving exacted a toll in the workplace. The vast majority of caregivers cut their work hours in order to care for a loved one, while others took a less demanding job or leave of absence, turned down a promotion, or quit working altogether.

Most respondents said they did not consider caregiving a hardship and largely reported excellent or very good health. Yet more than half said their responsibilities took time away from family and friends, leaving them feeling isolated.

This entry was posted on Friday, December 11th, 2009 at 12:52 am and is filed under caregivers, families. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.