New AARP Report Finds Economic Value of Family Caregiving in Illinois at $18.8 Billion

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Jul 18, 2011, 10:51 ET

An estimated 2.4 million Illinoisans provided care during 2009

CHICAGO, July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new report released today by AARP's Public Policy Institute found the total economic value of caring for an adult family member, partner or friend who suffered with chronic conditions or disabilities in the U.S. reached an estimated $450 billion in 2009. In Illinois, the value of care reached $18.8 billion. The $450 billion nationally is up from an estimated $375 billion in 2007.

The report, "Valuing the Invaluable: The Growing Contributions and Costs of Family Caregiving, 2011 Update," finds that the "average" caregiver is a 49-year old woman who works outside of the home and spends nearly 20 hours per week providing unpaid care to her mother over the course of nearly five years. Almost two-thirds of family caregivers are women and more than eight in 10 are caring for a relative or friend age 50 or older.

"The responsibility of caring for a loved one can take a tremendous economic, physical, and emotional toll caregivers - many of whom don't even think of themselves as caregivers," said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director. "But the meals fixed for Mom and Dad, the visits to the doctor, the household work, and other long-term care assistance would cost $18.8 billion in Illinois if someone had to be hired to do it."

The report shows that family caregivers are an essential part of the workforce that helps to maintain the health and long term care services and support systems for a growing number of people with complex needs. The report also indicates that, in Illinois, family caregivers bear a much higher burden relative to other states due to lower funding levels and limited service options for home and community based services in Illinois.

"The overwhelming majority of people want to remain in their own homes and communities for as long as possible and family caregiving has been shown to help delay or prevent the use of nursing home care," added Gallo.

The report includes several recommendations to assist caregivers, including expanding funding for the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP); providing adequate funding for respite programs, including the Lifespan Respite Care Act; promoting new models of care that are person- and family-centered and engage the caregiver as a partner and member of the care team and also integrate the different elements of care -- such as primary health care and long-term services and supports; and, promoting the expansion of consumer-directed models in publicly-funded home- and community-based services programs that permit payment of family caregivers.

The full report, "Valuing the Invaluable: The Growing Contributions and Costs of Family Caregiving, 2011 Update," is available at http://www.aarp.org/relationships/caregiving/info-07-2011/valuing-the-invaluable.html.

SOURCE AARP Illinois