MALE CAREGIVERS

Men make up for about 40% of caregivers for people over 18. That is about 16 million men caring for a family member or friend. This role remains partly unknown because the males don't necessarily feel "comfortable asking for help and they don't necessarily know where to turn". They face the rewards and challenges of all caregivers. According to the University of Michigan healthy aging poll, 4 in 5 caregivers found the duty at least somewhat stressful, but even more found it rewarding. Most said it made them more aware of their future needs. An AARP report, "Breaking Stereotypes", states that among male caregivers, a quarter help with feeding and bathing, 29% with dressing and 30% with the bathroom. Nursing and medical duties are performed by more than half of the caregivers. Grace Whiting of the National Alliance for Caregiving says, "Men who haven't thought of themselves as caregivers should consider, they probably will be". An AARP analysis shows soon there won't be enough family caregivers to support an aging population.