Data Visualization

Unpaid family members and friends provide much of the long-term care that older Americans need to remain in their homes and communities as they age. However, these caregivers often shoulder a large personal burden themselves, according to an AP-NORC Center survey of adults with caregiving experience. This AP-NORC Center video interactive explores the perspectives of these informal caregivers.

According to a new survey by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 35 percent of caregivers have skipped routine care, 33 percent skipped a recommended treatment, and 31 percent didn’t go to the doctor at all when sick or injured as a result of their caregiving responsibilities. Others cite impacts to their personal finances. Still, 60 percent say they feel supported in their role as a caregiver.

This survey from The AP-NORC Center dives into the experiences of providers and recipients of long-term care, examining what caregivers do, how they are trained, and how they balance caregiving with other aspects of their lives.

A 2017 study of Americans age 40 and older with experience providing long-term care to a loved one finds that many provide a wide range of assistance, though only half say they had most of the training they need.

Millions of Americans require support with daily living activities due to aging, and the majority of this assistance takes place in home and community settings, not institutions like nursing homes. This AP-NORC Center video interactive explores how home health care aides factor into the overall home care picture and uses findings from 2017 Long-Term Care Poll to see what older Americans expect from them.