Millennials: A younger generation caring for senior loved ones

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BRIGHTSTAR CARE MN

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Bright Star Care Burnsville

Posted on

Jul 28, 2024

Book/Edition

Minnesota - Twin Cities Metro Area

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The Baby Boomer generation currently ranges in age from their mid-50s to mid-70s. As this population gets older, a growing number of Millennials (currently 25 to 40 years old) are assuming the role of caregiver for their parents or grandparents. In fact, an estimated 10 million Millennials in the US serve as the primary supporter for an aging loved one. This accounts for one in four family caregivers. 

Common Struggles Millennial Caregivers Face

If you have become a caregiver as a 20- or 30-something, you probably encounter certain challenges every day. The struggles listed here are not necessarily exclusive to Millennial caregivers. However, your journey may be somewhat unique because of where you’re at in life when caregiving becomes your responsibility.

  • Navigating the healthcare system: HIPAA restrictions, insurance issues, and other aspects of our complex healthcare system make it difficult for young caregivers to advocate for their parents and grandparents.
  • Finding emotional and mental health support: While caregiving can be incredibly fulfilling, it also comes with emotional and mental health struggles. Many resources assume the caregiver is an older Generation Xer, not a Millennial with a young family of their own. As a result, burnout and stress are prevalent among young family caregivers.
  • Stalled career and delayed higher education: Millennials are more likely to still be in school or working toward career advancement because of their young age. If they suddenly become caregivers, this can lead to uncertainty about the future. Some Millennials feel pressured to delay their education or forego job promotions due to the new and challenging responsibility of being a family caregiver.
  • Financial instability: College tuition has more than doubled since the 1980s. The oldest Millennials who graduated college around age 22 in 2003 averaged $16,000 in student debt ($22,000 in today’s money). But the youngest Millennials who finished school in 2018 averaged nearly $30,000 in loans upon graduation. Saddled with more debt and spending an average of 27 percent of their income on caregiving expenses, it’s no surprise that so many Millennial caregivers struggle to achieve financial stability.

Home Care Resource for Millennial Caregivers

Always remember—you are not alone! In-home care providers can relieve some of your responsibility so you have more time to focus on your personal life, education, and career without feeling like you’re neglecting your elderly loved one. Respite care is also an option available to you that provides short-term, temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities. Whether it is 1 hour or 24 hours, we’re ready to meet your needs. Here are some of the additional services available:

  • Personal care
  • Companion care
  • Skilled nursing care
  • Medication management
  • Alzheimer’s and dementia care
  • Disability services
  • Transportation
  • And more

Your loved one deserves nothing less than extraordinary care. That’s what makes the nurses, CNAs, and other professionals at independently owned and operated BrightStar Care agencies the right fit for you. We are pleased to offer the most professional, compassionate care possible while helping your loved one continue living in the comforting, familiar surroundings of home. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.  Call us at 612-488-4159.  

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Care Management 2785 White Bear Avenue, Maplewood, Minnesota, 55109

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Non-Medical 12400 Portland Avenue South, Burnsville, Minnesota, 55337

HOME CARE'S BEST AND BRIGHTEST!At BrightStar Care, we only hire the best and the brightest because thats what our clients and their families deserve! In addition to possessing superior skills and experience, our team is made up of people who demonstrate respect, compassion, and empathy. We call it a higher standard.WHAT A HIGHER STANDARD MEANSIt's more than a goal.  It's our daily commitment to clients, and it's the reason we exist.  A higher standard means being there for the client when we show up at their home, in every sense of the word.  We do the little things that make a big difference.  We treat every client as we treat our own families.  Our dedication to detail means everything, which is why we've earned The Joint Commission's Enterprise Champion for Quality Award every year since 2013.  Some of the communities that we serve include:  Burnsville, West St Paul, Inver Grove Heights, Lilydale, Apple Valley, South St Paul and Mendota Heights. Please call us today for your complimentary in-home assessment at 612-435-7390

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Memory & Dementia Care 8900 Penn Ave S Ste 301, Bloomington, Minnesota, 55431

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