WASHINGTON, Feb. 13: AARP and United Way Worldwide today announced the debut of the "Do You Care ChallengeSM," a new easy-to-use interactive online tool that lets people get a sense of what "a day in the life" is like for a family caregiver.
There are approximately 40 million family caregivers in the U.S., according to AARP. The majority (60%) of caregivers are employed full- or part-time. Although many people may think of caregivers as being older adults, 25% of family caregivers are millennials under age 35. The average millennial family caregiver has been caring for a loved one for nearly three years.
"It can be difficult to understand the pressures and responsibilities that family caregivers face if you aren't or haven't been a caregiver yourself yet. Millennial caregivers often feel extra stress and isolation because their peers don't relate and their employers don't expect them to have these responsibilities," said AARP Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond. "AARP is proud to partner with United Way Worldwide to help increase awareness, understanding, and support for family caregivers of all ages."
The "Do You Care ChallengeSM" walks people through different scenarios of the daily decisions and challenges facing a typical family caregiver, including a single mother working two jobs, a full-time college student, and a married father of two, all millennials and all trying to assist a friend or other family member at the same time. The new tool provides helpful tips and resources, including links and telephone numbers for people to get assistance or obtain additional information on caregiving.
"Caregiving affects lives in many ways, at home, at work, and in school. The workplace is an area where employers can make a meaningful difference in helping the large number of their employees who are or will be family caregivers," said Mary Sellers, U.S. President, United Way Worldwide. "One of the best ways we can support friends and family members who are caregivers is simply to ask how we can help."
