Millennial Caregivers More Willing to Care than Older Generation

ST. LOUIS: MediNurse, St. Louis’ premier provider of private duty nursing care for more than 30 years, highlights the role millennial caregivers are taking today. Nearly one-quarter of America’s adult caregivers are between the ages of 18 and 34; they are part of a rising generation accepting increased responsibilities as their parents and grandparents age.

According to reports by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, an estimated 44 million millennials across the nation are currently providing caregiving for a loved one. Unlike older caregivers who are 60% female, millennial caregivers are equally likely to be male as female. The average millennial caregiver is 27 years old, employed an average of 35 hours week, and has an average household income below the national median.

Studies show that millennials are more willing to be a caregiver than previous generations. The ages of 18 to 34 are crucial in a lifespan, typically filled in pursuit of education, relationships and independence. Millennial caregivers often put these things on the back burner and focus on caring for their loved ones—leading them to face challenges that require unique support including:

Social support—Many millennial caregivers may feel isolated, because their peers are not going through similar experiences so it’s difficult to relate. Peers are busy with tasks typical of their age group, such as friends, school, work, career advancement, etc.

Navigating the healthcare system—From obtaining healthcare information for aging relatives and sorting out insurance barriers to determining qualifying healthcare benefits and becoming a senior advocate are just a few of the hurdles millennial caregivers face. This is difficult at any age, but puts added pressure on a young person with little experience in the system.

Difficult conversations—Young caregivers may be viewed as “only a child.” An aging loved one may feel reluctant to discuss crucial health, financial or other sensitive topics. The loved one may want to protect or shield the young caregiver, assuming they are not capable of handling certain information.

If you are a millennial caregiver or being care for by a young person, you are not alone. There are many support groups/resources to explore if feeling overwhelmed.

MediNurse is St. Louis’ premier provider of private duty nursing services. MediNurse provides services that are customized to the individual needs of the client or patient and loved ones to ensure the best care possible. For more information, call 314-781-2800 or visit www.medinurse.com.