Latest news with #NationalDayofJoy
New York Post
2 days ago
- General
- New York Post
Invisible caregiving? Survey uncovers quiet support for seniors
Half of Americans don't consider themselves a 'caregiver,' but new research revealed that some have already assumed the role. That's according to a survey of 2,000 Americans, including 1,000 who are caring for (or have cared for) a senior. Advertisement For those who have not 'officially' cared for a senior, 53% didn't consider themselves a caregiver — despite taking on many caregiving responsibilities. 8 Most people don't consider themselves as 'caregivers'. Rido – These respondents still do errands for a senior in their life (21%) and provide emotional and mental support (18%) for this older person. Others also make a point to visit with them on a regular basis (16%), clean their home (16%) and provide transportation (14%). Advertisement Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Comfort Keepers for the National Day of Joy, the survey revealed all these activities fit into respondents' definition of 'caregiving.' 8 New research revealed that some have already assumed the role of caregiver. SWNS 8 Caregiving to most people means being available at all times. pikselstock – Advertisement When asked what caregiving means, 58% of respondents said, simply, being available at all times for the person being taken care of. Less important as a definition were — giving care as an occupation (47%), living in the home with the senior (33%) or actually being paid (25%) for the work. And with this broad definition for caregiving, 74% of respondents believe everyone will, at some point, become a caregiver for a senior who is unable to meet their own needs. 8 Less important roles are giving care as an occupation, living at home with a senior, and actually being paid for the work. SWNS Advertisement 'Millions of Americans are caregivers in all but name, quietly supporting aging loved ones without recognizing the essential role they're already playing,' said Saudia Gajadhar, chief happiness officer at Comfort Keepers. 'Our research shows that many people don't identify as caregivers, even as they provide meaningful support, with many expecting to step into that role in the future. At Comfort Keepers, we aim to shine a light on the joy and purpose that caregiving brings to both those who give care and those who receive it.' While caregiving comes with challenges, it's also something for people to look forward to: three-quarters (74%) of those who have been a caregiver said it's one of the most rewarding chapters of their life. Ninety-one percent of caregivers said it was an opportunity to bond with the senior they were spending time with, with one sharing: 'It's like having another relative. You care for this person for so long and they adopt you.' 8 Most caregivers view their job as rewarding. SWNS 8 Being a caregiver is more of a bonding experience than people think. SWNS Through caregiving, respondents learned, 'there is a friend in anyone, all you need is time to know them.' And, 'that it is possible to be resilient even when the cards are stacked against you.' Caregivers also learned some surprising facts about the people they were caring for. Respondents said the person they care for had experienced more adversity than they thought (33%) and is funnier than the caregiver previously thought (33%). Advertisement 8 Caregivers learned 'there is a friend in anyone, all you need is time to know them.' SWNS Caregivers also learned about passions and values the person they were caring for had (30%), and realized the person they were caring for lived a more wild, adventurous life than the caregiver ever knew (26%). They shared discoveries that the senior they took care of dated a celebrity, one spoke seven languages and another was a champion ballroom dancer. One respondent learned the person they were caring for was friends with Martin Luther King, while another said the person they cared for was in WWII as a fighter pilot and got shot down — and a third shared 'they had a secret double life.' Advertisement 8 Caregivers have found the person they are taking care of to be full of interesting secrets and expereinces. SWNS 'Some feel that caregiving can be a burden, but most caregivers call it a blessing and an opportunity to uncover life's silver linings such as connecting with their loved one, learning family stories, finding purpose and feeling joy,' said Sherri Snelling, gerontologist, author and spokesperson for Comfort Keepers. 'Our survey shows that when people care for aging loved ones, they are giving support but they are also getting something back – deep emotional rewards, personal growth, and stronger bonds with older loved ones.' Survey methodology: Talker Research surveyed 1,000 general population Americans and 1,000 respondents who are caregivers to a senior/have been a caregiver to a senior in the past (either paid or unpaid and not including general parenting responsibilities as caregiving). The survey was commissioned by Comfort Keepers and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between April 25–May 1, 2025.
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- General
- Miami Herald
Why many Americans are caregivers in disguise
Half of Americans don't consider themselves a "caregiver," but new research revealed that some have already assumed the role. That's according to a survey of 2,000 Americans, including 1,000 who are caring for (or have cared for) a senior. For those who have not "officially" cared for a senior, 53% didn't consider themselves a caregiver - despite taking on many caregiving responsibilities. Related content These respondents still do errands for a senior in their life (21%) and provide emotional and mental support (18%) for this older person. Others also make a point to visit with them on a regular basis (16%), clean their home (16%) and provide transportation (14%). Related content Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Comfort Keepers for the National Day of Joy, the survey revealed all these activities fit into respondents' definition of "caregiving." When asked what caregiving means, 58% of respondents said, simply, being available at all times for the person being taken care of. Less important as a definition were - giving care as an occupation (47%), living in the home with the senior (33%) or actually being paid (25%) for the work. And with this broad definition for caregiving, 74% of respondents believe everyone will, at some point, become a caregiver for a senior who is unable to meet their own needs. "Millions of Americans are caregivers in all but name, quietly supporting aging loved ones without recognizing the essential role they're already playing," said Saudia Gajadhar, chief happiness officer at Comfort Keepers. "Our research shows that many people don't identify as caregivers, even as they provide meaningful support, with many expecting to step into that role in the future. At Comfort Keepers, we aim to shine a light on the joy and purpose that caregiving brings to both those who give care and those who receive it." While caregiving comes with challenges, it's also something for people to look forward to: three-quarters (74%) of those who have been a caregiver said it's one of the most rewarding chapters of their life. Ninety-one percent of caregivers said it was an opportunity to bond with the senior they were spending time with, with one sharing: "It's like having another relative. You care for this person for so long and they adopt you." Through caregiving, respondents learned, "there is a friend in anyone, all you need is time to know them." And, "that it is possible to be resilient even when the cards are stacked against you." Caregivers also learned some surprising facts about the people they were caring for. Respondents said the person they care for had experienced more adversity than they thought (33%) and is funnier than the caregiver previously thought (33%). Caregivers also learned about passions and values the person they were caring for had (30%), and realized the person they were caring for lived a more wild, adventurous life than the caregiver ever knew (26%). They shared discoveries that the senior they took care of dated a celebrity, one spoke seven languages and another was a champion ballroom dancer. One respondent learned the person they were caring for was friends with Martin Luther King, while another said the person they cared for was in WWII as a fighter pilot and got shot down - and a third shared "they had a secret double life." "Some feel that caregiving can be a burden, but most caregivers call it a blessing and an opportunity to uncover life's silver linings such as connecting with their loved one, learning family stories, finding purpose and feeling joy," said Sherri Snelling, gerontologist, author and spokesperson for Comfort Keepers. "Our survey shows that when people care for aging loved ones, they are giving support but they are also getting something back – deep emotional rewards, personal growth, and stronger bonds with older loved ones." Related content Survey methodology: Talker Research surveyed 1,000 general population Americans and 1,000 respondents who are caregivers to a senior/have been a caregiver to a senior in the past (either paid or unpaid and not including general parenting responsibilities as caregiving). The survey was commissioned by Comfort Keepers and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between April 25–May 1, 2025. We are sourcing from a non-probability frame and the two main sources we use are: Traditional online access panels - where respondents opt-in to take part in online market research for an incentiveProgrammatic - where respondents are online and are given the option to take part in a survey to receive a virtual incentive usually related to the online activity they are engaging in Those who did not fit the specified sample were terminated from the survey. As the survey is fielded, dynamic online sampling is used, adjusting targeting to achieve the quotas specified as part of the sampling plan. Regardless of which sources a respondent came from, they were directed to an Online Survey, where the survey was conducted in English; a link to the questionnaire can be shared upon request. Respondents were awarded points for completing the survey. These points have a small cash-equivalent monetary value. Cells are only reported on for analysis if they have a minimum of 80 respondents, and statistical significance is calculated at the 95% level. Data is not weighted, but quotas and other parameters are put in place to reach the desired sample. Interviews are excluded from the final analysis if they failed quality-checking measures. This includes: Speeders: Respondents who complete the survey in a time that is quicker than one-third of the median length of interview are disqualified as speedersOpen ends: All verbatim responses (full open-ended questions as well as other please specify options) are checked for inappropriate or irrelevant textBots: Captcha is enabled on surveys, which allows the research team to identify and disqualify botsDuplicates: Survey software has "deduping" based on digital fingerprinting, which ensures nobody is allowed to take the survey more than once It is worth noting that this survey was only available to individuals with internet access, and the results may not be generalizable to those without internet access. The post Why many Americans are caregivers in disguise appeared first on Talker. Copyright Talker News. All Rights Reserved.
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Health
- Business Wire
National Survey Reveals That Caregiving is One of the Most Life-Enriching Roles Americans Will Ever Experience
IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Comfort Keepers,® a market-leading provider of uplifting home care for seniors and adults who need assistance, is proud to celebrate its seventh annual National Day of Joy on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. This year, Comfort Keepers is deepening its commitment to honoring caregivers by connecting the joy of caregiving with its emotional impact through new national survey findings and screenings of the new PBS documentary, Caregiving, in partnership with WETA, the flagship PBS member station in Washington, D.C., and Well Beings, a public health education campaign from public media created by WETA. Launched to encourage people to find joy in everyday moments, the National Day of Joy shines a light on caregivers who bring dignity, purpose, and connection to the lives of seniors. At the heart of this year's celebration is a powerful message: caregiving, while challenging, can be one of life's most meaningful experiences. 'At Comfort Keepers, our mission is to elevate the human spirit, because we believe aging should be filled with joy, purpose, and connection,' said Natalie Black, Chief Executive Officer, Comfort Keepers. 'We're proud to join forces with WETA for Caregiving, to help the public see caregiving through a new lens, one that recognizes both the emotional weight and the extraordinary fulfillment caregiving brings.' To underscore this perspective, Comfort Keepers has released its 2025 National Day of Joy survey. Together, the survey insights and the film reveal a compelling story: caregiving is not just a responsibility, it is a deeply human, often joyful, experience that strengthens relationships and fosters emotional growth. 'Some feel that caregiving can be a burden but most caregivers call it a blessing,' said Sherri Snelling, gerontologist, author and spokesperson for Comfort Keepers. 'Our survey shows that when people care for aging loved ones, they are also getting something back, deep emotional rewards, personal growth and joy.' Talker Research conducted the survey on behalf of Comfort Keepers from April 25-May 1 and polled 1,000 general population adults and 1,000 caregivers. Key survey findings include: Many Americans are caregivers, even if they don't realize it – 53% of those providing support to aging loved ones don't identify as caregivers. For 74% of caregivers the role is one of the most rewarding chapters of their lives. Nearly all (91%) say it deepens bonds with the senior in their care. Almost half (43%) of caregivers never expected to become caregivers, reinforcing the need for awareness and preparation. The majority of Americans (77%), and 88% of caregivers, say their senior parents prefer to age in place. Only about a third of Americans report their senior parents have care plans, leaving many unprepared. Many Americans see caregiving in their future – 73% with caregiving experience, and 48% without, expect to take on the role someday. These insights provide timely context for the release of Caregiving, a new documentary premiering June 24, 2025 on PBS. Created with executive producer Bradley Cooper, the film explores the personal stories of family caregivers and the emotional highs and lows they face. 'WETA is honored to partner with Comfort Keepers to raise awareness about caregiving as both a challenge and a gift,' said Tom Chiodo, Executive Producer, Special Projects, WETA. 'The National Day of Joy and the Caregiving documentary elevate the stories of everyday caregivers and show that we see them, support them, and value their contributions.' More than 26 Comfort Keepers franchises will host local screening events as part of a national campaign supported by 330+ PBS member stations, amplifying the message in communities nationwide. Tune In and Join the Conversation Caregiving premieres June 24, 2025 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS and and is available to stream now at and the PBS App. Short films from the project are available now on In honor of the National Day of Joy, Comfort Keepers invites the public to share their stories using #ShareYourCaregivingStory and tagging @WellBeingsOrg. For more information, or to become a caregiver, visit and follow Comfort Keepers on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. About Comfort Keepers ® For 27 years, Comfort Keepers® has been Elevating the Human Spirit SM through its in-home care network for seniors and other adults by empowering them to maintain their independence and realize joy in the everyday moments. Comfort Keepers operates a franchise network that has grown to more than 600 locations in the U.S. and Canada, serving hundreds of thousands of clients since 1998. The company's nationwide network employs thousands of caregivers, also known as Comfort Keepers ®, who deliver joy through interactive caregiving by continually communicating with, involving, and engaging with seniors in everyday tasks and activities. For more information, visit About Well Beings & Caregiving Caregiving is part of Well Beings, the multiplatform campaign from WETA that launched in 2020 to address the critical health needs in America through original broadcast and digital content, civic engagement campaigns, and impactful local events. The Caregiving national outreach, education, and engagement campaign with Well Beings launched in October 2024 at the United Nations and seeks to spotlight the issues caregivers face, build awareness, and provide resources and a community for caregivers at a time of unprecedented need. For more information, visit Caregiving is a production of Lea Pictures and WETA Washington, D.C., in association with Ark Media. Support for Caregiving is made possible by Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc.; OneAmerica Financial Foundation; Comfort Keepers; CareScout Holdings, Inc.; Cherish Health Inc. dba Cherish; Evelyn Y. Davis Foundation; Richard King Mellon Foundation; The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; Ford Foundation; Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation; NextFifty Initiative (Next50); National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); PATH Foundation; Care for All with Respect and Equity (CARE) Fund; The John A. Hartford Foundation; and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. National outreach and engagement partners for Caregiving include Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers; Grantmakers In Aging; Milken Institute | Future of Aging; Global Coalition on Aging; Wallis Annenberg GenSpace; Elizabeth Dole Foundation; National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation; National Minority Health Association; Fred Rogers Productions; Caregiver Action Network; The Coalition to Transform Advanced Care; American Association of Caregiving Youth; Caring Across Generations; SHRM and SHRM Foundation; National Alliance for Caregiving; Lutheran Services in America; Center to Advance Palliative Care; PEOPLE; and
