Dementia Caregivers Make Sacrifices

A recent study from the National Alliance For Caregiving gave some shocking statistics on the burdens of caregiving, including caregiving to those who have dementia.

Some of the highlights of the study include these sobering facts about caregiving:

• 35.4 hours per week was the average time spent caring for loved ones
• 32% had been doing this caregiving for more than 5 years
• 34% were using their savings and 38% were not saving for their own future or their children's
• 23% were cutting back on their own medical or dental care
• 65% had increased stress or anxiety
• 49% had difficulty sleeping
• 37% felt depressed or experienced hopeless

How do these statistics fit in with your own experience?  Does it seem on target or off by a lot?  Please share your thoughts with us.