According to a July survey of family caregivers sponsored by The Caregivers Marketplace, the media is doing a poor job of portraying the reality facing an estimated 30 million Americans currently caring for an elderly or ill family member or loved one. Only 5 percent of caregivers surveyed think media images of caregiving are very accurate.

Caregiving is often an isolating and lonely responsibility, and past research indicates that caregivers struggle with the physical, psychological, financial and emotional toll of caring for a loved one. In this new survey, 88 percent of caregivers report that television could increase awareness of their challenges and needs. The prospect of becoming a caregiver is likely for most Americans, given the country’s aging demographics. Current caregivers think that television could effectively help people to prepare for this future role.

Among the other findings:

• Of the caregivers who recalled seeing portrayals of caregiving on television or film, 84 percent say the portrayals had not been very helpful in preparing them for their current role as a caregiver.
• 86 percent of caregivers would like television programming to help prepare non-caregivers to provide care in the future.

Likewise, 94 percent of respondents would like to see television programs that would help make caregivers feel better understood by more people.

The Caregivers Marketplace (www.caregiversmarketplace.com, toll free 1-866-327-8340) is a free service for family caregivers. It offers discounts, rebates and information on a wide variety of products and services used daily by those who “give, get and need care.” The National Family Caregivers Association, Children of Aging Parents, Wellspouse Foundation and the Visiting Nurse Associations of America all recommend the program.

*The poll surveyed 400 caregivers who are members of The Caregivers Advisory Panel, a nationwide market research firm providing regular feedback on caregiving products, services and issues.

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Contact:
Harry Wiland, Dale Bell, 310 202-3370
Jim Hood, 202 393-3545
Ron Barkley, 310-454-2215