Many Americans Are Caregivers Without Realizing It, Survey Finds

Half of Americans dont consider themselves a caregiver, yet many have already stepped into the role without even knowing it, according to new research.

A survey of 2,000 Americans, including 1,000 who are currently caring for or have cared for a senior, found that 53% of those who have not “officially” cared for a senior didnt view themselves as caregivers, despite regularly performing caregiving tasks.

Among those respondents, many already run errands for seniors in their life (21%) and provide emotional and mental support (18%). Others regularly visit with an older person (16%), clean their home (16%) or provide transportation (14%).

The survey, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Comfort Keepers in recognition of National Day of Joy, suggests that Americans have a broad definition of caregiving — even if they hesitate to apply the label to themselves.

When asked what caregiving means, 58% of respondents said it simply meant being available at all times for the person being cared for. Fewer respondents felt it required giving care as an occupation (47%), living in the home with the senior (33%), or being paid for the work (25%).

And with such a broad understanding of what caregiving entails, 74% of respondents believe everyone will eventually become a caregiver for a senior who can no longer meet their own needs.

“Millions of Americans are caregivers in all but name, quietly supporting aging loved ones without recognizing the essential role theyre already playing,” said Saudia Gajadhar, chief happiness officer at Comfort Keepers. “Our research shows that many people dont identify as caregivers, even as they provide meaningful support, with many expecting to step into that role in the future. At Comfort Keepers, we aim to shine a light on the joy and purpose that caregiving brings to both those who give care and those who receive it.”

While caregiving can be challenging, the survey found that many Americans see it as a deeply rewarding experience. Around three-quarters (74%) of those who have served as caregivers said it was one of the most fulfilling chapters of their lives.

Ninety-one percent said caregiving gave them an opportunity to bond with the person they cared for. As one respondent shared, “Its like having another relative. You care for this person for so long and they adopt you.”

Through caregiving, respondents said they learned valuable life lessons: “There is a friend in anyone, all you need is time to know them,” one said. Another learned “that it is possible to be resilient even when the cards are stacked against you.”

The experience also provided unexpected insights into the lives of those being cared for. Thirty-three percent of caregivers discovered that the person they were caring for had faced more adversity than they realized, while another 33% found that their senior was funnier than expected.

Others learned about hidden passions and values (30%) or realized that their loved one had lived a far more adventurous life than they had known (26%).

Some of the surprising discoveries included stories of celebrity romances, multilingual abilities, and ballroom dancing championships. One caregiver learned their loved one had been friends with Martin Luther King Jr.; another found out their senior had been a WWII fighter pilot who was shot down. One even discovered, “they had a secret double life.”

“Some feel that caregiving can be a burden, but most caregivers call it a blessing and an opportunity to uncover lifes silver linings such as connecting with their loved one, learning family stories, finding purpose and feeling joy,” said Sherri Snelling, gerontologist, author and spokesperson for Comfort Keepers. “Our survey shows that when people care for aging loved ones, they are giving support but they are also getting something back – deep emotional rewards, personal growth, and stronger bonds with older loved ones.”