2016 AARP Oregon Caregiving Study

Oregon residents age 45 and older say they have provided care — either currently (19%) or in the past (45%) — on an unpaid basis for an adult loved one who is ill, frail, elderly or who has a disability. Of those who have never provided care, nearly half (46%) say it is at least somewhat likely they will do so in the future. Typical family caregivers in Oregon are women (61%) and over 55 years old (78%). They are likely to be married (62%), and have post high school education or a college degree (77%). While caring for loved ones, Oregon caregivers are likely (52%) to still be in the workplace, either full or part-time. The average age of the person they care for is 76 years old.

Key findings include the following:

• Oregon respondents who are current or past caregivers report feeling emotionally (68%) and financially stressed (28%).
• Oregon registered voters age 45 and older overwhelmingly support (86%) providing an income tax credit to family caregivers.
• More than two-thirds of Oregon caregivers age 45 and older report that they have had to modify their work schedules by taking time off or going to work early or late to provide care (67%).
• More than nine in ten (95%) Oregon registered voters age 45-plus say having community services that would allow family caregivers to take a break from their caregiving duties is important.  
  

AARP Oregon commissioned a telephone survey of 1,000 registered voters age 45 and older to learn about their experiences with family caregiving. This report highlights results from residents interviewed from November 8 - November 22, 2016. The data was weighted to reflect registered voters in Oregon age 45-plus. For more information contact Aisha Bonner Cozad at ABonner@aarp.org.