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Executive summary

How to ease the emotional toll of caregiving for members

Learn how plan sponsors can support caregivers and their loved ones’ mental health by providing caregiving resources and tools.

July 29, 2024 | 6-minute read

Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults are unpaid caregivers to a family member or friend who has an illness or disability, and 1 in 4 are part of the sandwich generation raising children of their own at the same time.1,3,4 On average, U.S. caregivers spend 20 hours a week for up to 8 years helping the person(s) in their care with basic daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, paying bills, taking medications, going to appointments and more.6 And most have full-time paying jobs, too.1,5,6

Caregivers are under a lot of pressure and stress, leading many to struggle with their own health and wellbeing. It’s important and satisfying to help a loved one in need, but it can also be tiring and lead to health risks. Studies show caregivers are more stressed and have more mental health risks than noncaregivers.7 And a recent survey found 34% of caregivers experience severe mental distress.8

Mental health and wellbeing impact

Understandably, many caregivers struggle emotionally and physically. They may feel grateful they can help those in their care but also overwhelmed, stressed and exhausted by the responsibility. They may also become so focused on taking care of those in their charge that they don’t attend to their own needs. Over time, the day-to-day toll can affect their mental health and wellbeing.

If caregivers don’t address their severe long-term stress, they are more likely to feel anxious, depressed, or burned out. They are also more likely to have heart problems, digestive issues, trouble sleeping and memory problems, among other health concerns. Existing physical and mental health conditions can get worse, too.

For those who are trying to hold down a paying job at the same time, the added responsibility and stress results in lower workplace performance and productivity than noncaregivers.9 In addition to higher rates of presenteeism and absenteeism, caregivers are more likely to leave early, arrive late, change or reduce their hours, take unpaid leave and quit their jobs.2,10 The annual productivity loss due to caregiving-related workforce disruptions is estimated to be $30 billion.10

 

Taking care of caregivers

Plan sponsors can’t change or control a member’s personal situation, they can help them get caregiver tools and support to manage stress, burnout and anxiety.

Optum helps people find personalized, evidence-based resources to support them with their caregiving responsibilities and improve their own mental health.

Learn about our Behavioral Health and Emotional Wellbeing Solutions or contact your Optum representative.

Learn more

Sources

  1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Get support if you’re a caregiver. December 7, 2022.
  2. New York State, Office for the Aging, Department of Labor. Caregivers in the workplace. 2022.
  3. AARP Family Caregiving. Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 - AARP Research Report. May 2020.
  4. Pew Research Center. 54% of Americans in their 40s have both an aging parent and own child. April 8, 2022.
  5. University of Michigan, Department of Psychiatry. “Sandwich generation” study shows challenges of caring for both kids and aging parents. December 9, 2022.
  6. Family Caregiver Alliance. Caregiver statistics: Work and caregiving. Accessed March 28, 2024.
  7. Mayo Clinic. Caregiver stress: Tips for taking care of yourself. August 9, 2023.
  8. Integrated Benefits Institute. Two-fold increase in absenteeism among caregivers with a child with mental health needs. March 4, 2024.
  9. National Library of Medicine. Caregiving-related work productivity loss among employed family and other unpaid caregivers of older adults. May 2023.
  10. JAMA Network. Unpaid family caregiving—the next frontier of gender equity in a postpandemic future. June 9, 2023.