In-Home Care Giving Offers Rewards, Drawbacks

A survey of in-home caregivers sponsored by the Clorox Company finds that most feel rewarded spiritually by their responsibilities, but also feel tired, frustrated and overwhelmed. Sixty-six million Americans attend to the needs of loved ones in their homes. Their selfless work can be rewarding: ninety-five percent feel needed, 93 percent feel thankful, 91 percent appreciated and 88 percent important. But caregiving also takes a toll: caregivers often feel alone (53 percent) in their struggles. Fifty-nine percent report feeling helpless, isolated (54 percent), and confused (54 percent). Twenty-one percent of caregivers spend more than 40 hours a week caring for a loved one.