Senior Helpers® Survey Finds Baby Boomers and Gen Xers Favor In-Home Care for Aging Loved Ones

Study by Nation’s Leading Senior Care Provider Explores Sandwich Generation’s Growing Concerns.
With nearly 75 million Americans ages 51-691, Baby Boomers are currently the second largest living generation in the United States. According to a recent survey of 1,000 adult children ages 45-64 issued by Senior Helpers®, the nation’s premier provider of in-home senior care, nearly 60 percent of Baby Boomers and Gen Xers are concerned about juggling the responsibility of caring for their families alongside of also providing for the wellbeing of their aging parents. Many find it is nearly impossible to maintain a full-time job and care for children at home or in college, while assuming the additional role of a full-time caretaker for an aging loved one. The added duty of elderly care can create added emotional, financial and physical stress, the study finds.
“While caring for an aging loved one is a noble act, this should not come at the expense of one’s own physical and mental health,” said Chris Buitron, chief marketing officer, Senior Helpers. “Above all, it’s important to be realistic and determine what care you can or cannot provide, and then know when to seek assistance. In-home senior care companies like Senior Helpers help relieve the burden that family members experience when caring for an elderly loved one.”
Key insights uncovered by Senior Helpers’ survey include:

  • A majority of respondents (34 percent) indicated they would prefer someone with prior caregiving experience to care for their loved one’s daily needs, but do not require a professional care facility.
  • Nearly 85 percent of adult children would prefer for their loved ones to age at home.
  • A surprising 67 percent of Baby Boomers and Gen Xers are comfortable talking to aging loved ones about long-term care options.
  • When asked why their aging parents still live at home, 58 percent of respondents said it was because of the comfort and dignity associated with living independently.
  • Nearly 60 percent of Baby Boomers and Gen Xers feel that when the elderly are cared for in their own homes their experience is more positive than in an assisted living facility.
  • When asked hypothetically who would make the ideal caregiver of choice, 37 percent of respondents chose Jill Taylor of “Home Improvement” to care for their aging loved ones. Others cited include Fran Fine of “The Nanny” at 25 percent, Tony Micelli of “Who’s The Boss” at 24 percent and “Uncle Phil” of “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” at 13 percent, respectively.

Founded in 2001 with a vision to help seniors who wish to remain in their homes – despite age-related illnesses and mobility challenges – Senior Helpers serves elderly individuals and their families around the world. Senior Helpers differentiates itself with its proprietary, specialized programs that have been developed in collaboration with leading medical experts. The company was the first provider in the industry to offer specialized care services for individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
For more information about Senior Helpers, visit seniorhelpers.com.
About Senior Helpers
Senior Helpers is a premier in-home senior care provider in the U.S. with over 311 franchised businesses operating across the globe. Founded in 2001 with a vision to help seniors who wish to remain in their homes despite age-related illnesses and mobility challenges, Senior Helpers has now cared for tens of thousands of seniors with a pledge to provide “care and comfort at a moment’s notice.” Senior Helpers offers a wide range of personal care and companion services, including trained Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s care, to assist seniors who wish to live independently. Learn more by visiting seniorhelpers.com.
1 According to the Pew Research Center