When Caring for a Parent Hurts: Facts, Research, and Help

Many people in the United States care for older family members. 59 million Americans are caregivers of adults. They give 49.5 billion hours of unpaid care in one year. The work is worth about $1.01 trillion.

Some adult children care for parents who hurt them in childhood. One study found about one in five caregivers said a parent abused them when they were a child. These caregivers often have more depression and stress. Programs run by the Administration for Community Living and local groups can help caregivers find counseling and respite care. It is okay to ask for help and to set limits.