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NFCA Caregiver Survey
July 2000
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The results are in from the recent National Family Caregivers Association's (NFCA) random sample telephone survey of over 1000 adults. It reveals that more than one-quarter (26.6%) of the sampled population is currently caring for a family member or friend, or has been within the past year. (Based on July Census figures that translates into more than 54 million people having been caregivers during the past year).
Surprisingly, among the 266 identified caregivers, there are at least two major trend increases from previously reported national survey results:
- The number of men participating in care is 44%.
- The number of caregivers living in the same household as the one they care for is 37%.
Bruskin Research of Edison, NJ conducted the OmniTel survey for NFCA using a random digit dialing (RDD) probability sample of all listed and unlisted telephone numbers in the United States. The Bruskin computer program selection employs the variables of age, sex, education, race and geographic region in conjunction with the actual population proportions during the week of the survey. This data collection was July 28-30, 2000.
The July survey sample accurately reflects current American demographics; there is no over-sampling of any population category. All persons interviewed were at least 18 years of age.
Among the 266 family caregivers who were interviewed, the majority (54%) was between 35 and 64 years of age. More than half of these caregivers (52%) provide help with physical care such as dressing, transferring or toileting that are typically referred to as the basic activities of daily living (ADL's). Among other responsibilities, 46% of caregivers in this sample perform some type of nursing care such as giving medications or monitoring vital signs. Men continue to step up to the plate in both of these areas. In two out of five cases men regularly participate in both ADL and nursing assistance.
It also appears that family caregiving may directly diminish household income. Thirty five percent of all survey respondents report an income of less than $30,000. However, among caregiver respondents 43% report an income of less than $30,000.
The survey went on to ask more in-depth questions of the 99 caregivers who live in the same household as the one they care for. The number of respondents to most questions is small, however certain trends can begin to be identified. For example, caregivers regularly receiving help from friends or family feel that it is natural for their families to help each other. They also realize that it is more than a one-person job.
On the other hand, caregivers who don't receive help either feel it is their sole responsibility or have too much pride to ask for help. Further study is warranted in these and other comparative areas to better examine longitudinal changes and trends of family caregiving. This is especially important as new programs develop to support and sustain family caregivers who are the backbone of the long-term care industry.
Data interpretation was provided by Connie Ford, RN, MPA, Principal, Family Caregiver Resources Group in Boca Raton, FL. and Abby C King, Ph.D., Stanford Center for Research in Disease Prevention, Stanford University School of Medicine.
NFCA wishes to pay a special thank you to CareThere.com for underwriting the costs of this research effort. CareThere.com is an innovative, highly functional Web site (www.CareThere.com) that helps empower caregivers by providing them with easy access to quality-rated, locally-delivered healthcare products and services.
For Citation Purposes Use the Following:
NFCA (2000, Oct) Caregiver Survey-2000, Kensington, MD: Author
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