Caregiving for family members is very common. A recent study by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP found that in about one in four households, a person over age 18 had provided care to someone over age 50 at some point during the previous year. This fact sheet will discuss the issues you as a caregiver may face, offer suggestions for meeting your own needs, as well as those of the person receiving care, and offer resources you can find easily. Responsibilities Caregiving tasks, such as taking your father to the doctor, talking to a social worker, arranging for services in the home or community usually must be done during work hours. Arrangements you make with paid helpers or other family members don't always work out and you have to take time from your job.
Caregivers often have to modify their work schedules, including taking leaves of absence.
Less Time for Personal and Family Life Caregiving takes time. As a result, caregivers have less time to spend with other family members and less leisure time for themselves. Many have reported that their responsibilities have caused them to give up vacations, hobbies, or other activities. Very often, it is the daughter caring for older parents as well as children at home who need her time and attention. The cost of needed products and services quickly adds up.