Nebraska Family Caregivers Provide $2.5 Billion in Unpaid Care

Family caregivers in Nebraska provided 182 million hours of care—worth an estimated $2.5 billion—to their parents, spouses, partners, and other adult loved ones in 2013, according to AARP Public Policy Institute’s new report, Valuing the Invaluable: 2015 Update. The total estimated economic value of uncompensated care provided by the nation’s family caregivers surpassed total Medicaid spending ($449 billion), and nearly equaled the annual sales ($469 billion) of the four largest U.S. tech companies combined (Apple, Hewlett Packard, IBM, and Microsoft) in 2013.

Family caregiving for relatives or close friends with chronic, disabling, or serious health problems so they can remain in their home is nearly universal today. In 2013, about 195,000 family caregivers in Nebraska helped another adult loved one carry out daily activities (such as bathing or dressing, preparing meals, administering medications, driving to doctor visits, and paying bills).

“This new report demonstrates that we need to do more to assist the 195,000 caregivers in our state,” said Connie Benjamin, state director for AARP Nebraska. “Some of the things that will help family caregivers include improved workplace flexibility, respite care, tax credits and home care services. The Aging and Disability Resource Center Demonstration Act that was enacted earlier this year is an example of the type of action that Nebraska can take to make the task of caregiving a bit easier.”

Family Caregivers in the Future

As Americans live longer and have fewer children, fewer family members will be available for older adults to rely on for everyday help in the future. The ratio of potential family caregivers to the growing number of older people has already begun a steep decline. In 2010, there were 7.2 potential family caregivers for every person age 80 and older. By 2030, that ratio will fall sharply to 4 to 1, and is projected to drop further to 3 to 1 in 2050.

Impact of Caregiving on Jobs, Money, and Health

Family caregivers report that the stress of caregiving affects their physical and emotional health, finances, and their jobs.

• More than half (55%) of family caregivers report being overwhelmed by the amount of care their family member needs.
• Nearly 4 in 10 (38%) family caregivers report a moderate (20%) to high degree (18%) of financial strain as a result of providing care.
• In 2014, the majority (60%) of family caregivers had full- or part-time jobs.

Strategies and Policies Needed to Help Caregivers

“AARP strongly supports the Aging and Disability Resource Center Demonstration Program Act passed this year by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Pete Ricketts,” Benjamin said. “The ADRCs will provide information to consumers and caregivers about available services and supports that will enable independent living and help them find the most appropriate care.”

Benjamin added, “We also need to work on a broader plan that involves both the public and private sectors to support family caregivers here in Nebraska. We’re making some progress on that front. The Aging Nebraskans Task Force is currently developing a state plan to address the needs of Nebraskans who have Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Those recommendations will be submitted to the Legislature and Gov. Ricketts by late 2016.”

“Valuing the Invaluable: 2015 Update” Methodology

The estimates in this report by AARP’s Public Policy Institute are based on a meta-analysis of 11 U.S.-based surveys of family caregivers conducted between 2009 and 2014. Estimates are based on about 40 million caregivers providing an average of 18 hours of care per week to a parent, spouse/partner, or other adult loved one, at an average value of $12.51 per hour. ‘Caregiver’ is defined as an adult age 18 and older providing care to a parent, spouse, or other adult loved one with their daily activities such as bathing or dress, preparing meals, and/or managing their finances, currently or within the last month.

Caregiving Resources:

• AARP Caregiving Resource Center
• Caregiving in the US: 2015 Report
• Home Alone: Family Caregivers Providing Complex Chronic Care (October 2012)
• The ABA/AARP Checklist for Family Caregivers: A Guide to Making It Manageable (2015)
• Amy Goyer’s ABA/AARP Juggling Life, Work and Caregiving (2015)
• AARP’s I Heart Caregivers Initiative