There are an estimated 4.1 million caregivers in New York State. Yet more than half don’t even self-identify as caregivers. If you routinely provide help to a friend or family member, then you are a caregiver. This can include many activities: household tasks, transportation help, assisting with medical or self-care needs, and more. If you are a business, you can also provide help to working caregivers who face unique stresses.  

• 61% of caregivers worry about caring for a family member, friend, or neighbor.
• 55% individuals in this role don’t self-identify as caregivers.
• 50% of caregivers use food to cope and reduce stress.
• 33% of caregivers use substances to cope versus 6% of the general population.
• 31% of caregivers have contemplated suicide versus just 3% of the general population.

• The costs of caregiving to business and industry exceed $50 billion annually.
• In the U.S. today, one in six employees is a caregiver for a relative or friend and spends, on average, more than 20 hours a week providing some kind of care.
• 75% of people trust their employer and are more likely to follow their employer’s lead when it comes to balancing their work and caregiving duties.
• 70% of working caregivers suffer work-related difficulties due to their dual roles.
• 49% of working caregivers report arriving to work late, leaving early or taking time off.
• 69% of caregivers report having to rearrange their work schedule, decrease their hours, or take unpaid leave in order to meet responsibilities.