We often think of caregiving as something done mostly by baby boomers, but a new report titled, Millennials and Dementia Caregiving in the United States highlights the reality that millennial caregivers account for almost one out of four caregivers for those with any infirmity (24%), and one in six (15%) of all millennial caregivers assist someone living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia.
The report is a joint effort of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s and the USC Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging.
Why should we pay attention to this report? Because millennials are America’s future, yet their caregiving challenges often prevent them from even imagining their own futures. Unlike baby boomers, who have usually achieved some measure of personal and/or professional success by the time caregiving kicks in, millennial caregivers are still defining themselves personally and professionally when called upon to help with the needs of a family member or friend.
Consider this:
- While millennial caregivers are struggling to achieve financial stability, often saddled with student debt, more than half of them (55%) are helping to manage the finances of a family member with Alzheimer’s or other dementia.
- 76% of millennial caregivers drop everything to help with grocery and other shopping for a family member with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. 68% do the same for a family member or friend with any infirmity.
- Roughly 42% of millennial dementia caregivers are sole caregivers and the overwhelming majority (79%) report that accessing affordable outside help is very difficult.
We need to support ALL caregivers, but especially millennials.
Click here for online resources: Millennials and Dementia Caregiving
Scattered: My Year As An Accidental Caregiver is available in paperback and eBook at
