Mothers who act as caregivers for ailing loved ones are truly the women who do it all | Opinion
This Mother’s Day, let’s acknowledge the indispensable role of mothers in maintaining our health care delivery system. Mothers carry a disproportionate weight of nurturing and maintaining families — a joy and a burden that is a reality here in Modesto and throughout the country.
Nearly 17% of Americans provide unpaid care to adults over 50, with women making up more than 75% of this group. On average, these caregivers dedicate 24 to 37 hours per week to caregiving tasks — paralleling a full-time job. Many manage caregiving responsibilities on top of employment, providing a hidden but indispensable work force in health care, with the value of their unpaid labor estimated at $470 billion annually.
Opinion
A 2020 report by the American Association of Retired Persons revealed that women account for 56% of working Americans who tend to a loved one. As the demand for caregiving grows, so does the disproportionate burden on women who must navigate the complexities of medical appointments, medication management and the emotional toll of illness, often without formal training.
These demands can profoundly alter a woman’s identity: Forcing a transition from a life partner to the central support system for their spouse’s well-being, for example. It’s a transition marked by love, resilience and countless sacrifices.
A 2023 report by the Guardian Life Insurance Co. of America highlighted the significant impact of caregiving on women’s physical and mental health, which is exacerbated by the stress of juggling work and caregiving responsibilities. Due to the demanding nature of their roles, only one-third of caregivers manage to keep up with their own health appointments. This strain extends to both their careers and financial stability, with many facing employment challenges and reduced income.
The emotional, physical and financial strains on women who are primary caregivers are complex: Nearly a quarter of these caregivers also support children under 18, placing them in the so-called “sandwich generation.” Constant stress and worry can lead to caregiver burnout, characterized by physical, emotional and mental exhaustion.
Physically, the demands of caregiving can lead to chronic fatigue and exacerbate health problems, with nearly half of caregivers expressing concern about the physical strains of their role. According to the Centers for Disease Control (2019), 53% of caregivers suffer from multiple chronic conditions.
Financially, the impact on women caregivers is significant: Some reduce their work hours or leave their jobs entirely, leading to lost income, benefits and career progression. AARP research indicates that caregivers forfeit an average of $237,000 in lifetime earnings, translating to a 20% reduction in Social Security and retirement benefits. This financial burden jeopardizes their long-term security and earning potential, with most caregivers needing to prepare for unexpected expenses.
A 2024 National Council on Aging report highlights that older women are more likely to live in poverty due to wage discrimination and caregiving responsibilities. Locally, a 2022 poll by Legacy Health Endowment across Merced and Stanislaus counties found that adult children, many of whom are women, often forego saving for their retirements, children’s college education or home down payments because they must financially support and provide care for one or more of their aging middle-class parents.
Nearly a super-majority (63.7%) has used savings, borrowed money or increased credit card debt to help pay for the costs associated with their caregiver responsibilities. More than half (56.4%) have recently borrowed between $100 and $1,000 to pay for caregiving costs.
The vital role of women as primary caregivers underscores the need for societal and policy reforms. Despite their critical contributions to the health-care system, support and recognition for caregivers remain inadequate.
The resilience of women and mothers — and their compassion and resilience — is undeniable. The responsibility of caring for family and loved ones, however, should not be theirs alone to bear. It is a societal imperative to recognize, support and uplift these caregivers, ensuring they have the necessary resources and acknowledgment.
Jeffrey Lewis is the president and CEO of Legacy Health Endowment and the EMC Health Foundation. Legacy Health Endowment was founded in 2014 and based in Turlock. Its mission is improving the health and well-being of residents in Stanislaus and Merced counties.
