New Survey Reveals the Growing Burden of Remote Caregiving on U.S. Families

Data Highlights Hidden Mental and Financial Strains of Caring for Aging Loved Ones from a Distance

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 19, 2024 - A new survey by JubileeTV shines a spotlight on the growing strain remote caregiving is placing on American families. The findings reveal that while 59% of adult respondents in the U.S. regularly care for aging loved ones from afar, more than 40% of those who provide care don't even consider themselves caregivers - even as they invest significant time each week and deal with mounting stress, social isolation, financial obligations and career disruptions. It's a crisis hiding in plain sight, as millions struggle with the unrecognized burden of managing finances, coordinating care, and providing emotional support.

Check out the infographic or download the full report for a closer look at the survey findings

Key Findings at a Glance:

• It's a Part-Time Job: 1 in 3 remote caregivers spend 10+ hours a week supporting aging loved ones, the equivalent of having a part-time job.
• Social Life on Hold: Over 30% say caregiving leaves them with less time for friends, hobbies, and self-care.
• Work-Life Collision: Nearly 1 in 4 caregivers have had to take more vacation days or leave early from work to manage their caregiving duties.
• Confidence Gap in Caregiving: Less than half of remote caregivers feel confident in their ability to meet the needs of their loved ones while living outside the home.

"The disconnect between what people think of as 'caregiving' and what they're actually doing is distressing," said JubileeTV Caregiving Advisor, Lili Udell Fiore. "Many remote caregivers fail to see themselves as caregivers simply because they live outside the home, and they often feel ill-equipped to provide the necessary support. This uncertainty, combined with the emotional pressure and time demands of this hidden labor is an enormous burden for millions of people who are also trying to live and balance their own careers and lives. It's time to accept the reality of these challenges and create solutions that help people cope with the pressures of trying to live their own life while they are caregiving for their loved ones and lessen their burden."

The Hours Behind Remote Caregiving

Contrary to common perceptions, not living in the same household doesn't make caregiving any easier. In fact:

• More than one-third of remote caregivers spend 10+ hours weekly on caregiving, with 13% devoting 20 hours or more assisting a loved one from afar.
• Nearly 20% of remote caregivers provide daily assistance, and over 75% provide some form of care every week.

The Personal Impact of Remote Caregiving

The significant toll remote caregiving takes on the personal lives of caregivers extends well beyond the time spent providing support. The survey highlights the personal sacrifices caregivers are making as they balance their responsibilities:

• Social Isolation: One-third of remote caregivers (34%) report having reduced time for friends and social activities.
• Limited Time for Hobbies: Nearly 32% of respondents have had to cut back on hobbies and personal interests due to their caregiving duties.
• Mental Health Toll: Two-thirds of remote caregivers (66%) experience stress or anxiety related to assisting a loved one, and 29% report that the increased stress has negatively impacted their physical health.
• Travel Restrictions: Over 26% find it challenging to travel or take vacations because of their caregiving obligations.

Career vs. Care Decisions Colliding

Remote caregiving isn't just a personal challenge; it's having a significant effect on careers and workplace productivity. The survey underscores how caregiving pressures extend beyond the home, leading to professional sacrifices and long-term career impacts.

• Missed Time from Work: 22% of respondents report needing more flexible hours or missing work altogether due to caregiving responsibilities.
• Stalled Career Growth: 15% have missed out on career advancement opportunities, such as promotions or taking on new projects due to caretaking time commitments.
• Increased Use of Leave: 24% report taking increased vacation days or personal leave to manage caregiving duties.
• Considering Job Changes: 19% have considered changing jobs or reducing work hours to accommodate caregiving needs.

Technology Challenges

Adding to these challenges, many caregivers are finding that existing technology solutions are inadequate for their needs.

• 25% of respondents expressed frustration with the lack of effective remote caregiving tools, citing that current technologies are either too complex for their aging loved ones or fail to address specific caregiving tasks.
• Nearly 60% of remote caregivers have had to make an avoidable in-person visit to solve issues, often related to technology problems.

"The technology gap is a significant barrier for many remote caregivers," said Fiore. "They need tools that are not only easy for their loved ones to use but also effective in addressing the unique challenges remote caregivers face. JubileeTV is committed to bridging this gap with solutions designed specifically to meet these needs and help ease the time spent on frustrating common problems."

For more information on the study, visit this link.

Methodology:

The JubileeTV-commissioned study surveyed 2,000 adults in the United States who self-identified as someone who helps a family member over the age of 65 that does not live in the same household.

About JubileeTV

JubileeTV is dedicated to improving the lives of seniors and family members who care for aging loved ones. By leveraging the familiarity and comfort of television, the company's hardware and software solutions enable greater independence, reduce social isolation, and facilitate remote caregiving. Its transformative television experience simplifies TV operations for seniors, while providing peace of mind to family members by allowing for easy connections with and support for their loved ones.