When They Rely On You
Caregiver Fact Sheet

	Estimates vary on the number of caregivers in the United States, and range up to 54 million. A study by the National Alliance for Caregiving  (NAC) and the AARP published in 2004 estimated 44.4 million caregivers aged 18 and older were providing unpaid care to adults over 18.
	The typical caregiver was a 46-year-old woman and the typical person receiving care was a widow aged 50 or older, according to the NAC-AARP survey, which was funded by the MetLife Foundation. Four out of five (82 percent) were caring for relatives.
	The same survey revealed that large portions of caregivers worked and managed caregiving responsibilities at the same time (74 percent) and have had to make adjustments to work, including giving it up (62 percent).
	Finding time for themselves, managing stress, and balancing caregiving  with other activities are major needs caregivers say are often unmet. But more attention is being given to the issue of caregiving, and community resources such as "When They Rely On You" are becoming available.
	Beyond providing personal care, speaking with doctors and making end-of-life decisions are major responsibilities for caregivers. Caregivers are also needed to assist with legal and financial matters. The Mini-Medical School and Mini-Law School sessions of "When They Rely On You" can help with those and other issues.
	The "When They Rely On You" workshops provide information on dealing with illness as well as conditions that require major attention, such as managing incontinence. Suggestions include high-fiber diets, schedules for fluid intake and bathroom visits, biofeedback and pelvic muscle exercises (Kegel exercises). Further, absorbent materials can restore daily activity and pride to persons suffering from incontinence, as well as ease the burden on caregivers.