Until recently, families usually lived in the same community. In the 1996 National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP nationwide telephone survey, it was reported that nearly one in four households contained at least one family caregiver or approximately 23 million households caring for older family members. Caregivers also provide emotional and other support. Families, friends and neighbors usually provide what is considered informal support. This network of individuals plays a critical role in helping individuals remain independent and part of a community.
Spouses are usually the primary caregivers, followed by adult children.
Adult children and adult grandchildren are now often taking care of a parent or grandparent and a child at the same time. Many grandparents are taking on the role of providing parental care for their grandchildren this all adds to the complexity of caregiving and the diverse roles of the caregiver. Many people become caregivers gradually as a loved one's health condition deteriorates. Others are thrown into this new role quite suddenly, feeling tremendous responsibility without knowing what to do. As with anything else, knowledge of what is available in the community can be a powerful tool to help cope with new responsibilities.