NYC Women Bear Hidden Health And Financial Costs Of Caregiving, Study Finds

NEW YORK, NY— Millions of New York women are quietly carrying the weight of caregiving, with profound consequences for their health, careers, and financial security, according to a survey released by A Place for Mom.

The Women and Caregiving report draws on data from 1,029 unpaid caregivers, including 510 women, and finds women account for 61 percent of all unpaid caregivers.

Most are in midlife, balancing professional responsibilities, parenting, and elder care simultaneously.

Nearly 80 percent of women caring for a spouse or older relatives are between 40 and 60 years old, and 46 percent are also caring for children or grandchildren under 18.

Women provide 27.3 hours of care per week for spouses on average, exceeding the overall caregiving average of 22.8 hours.

Despite reporting greater confidence in their caregiving skills, 48 percent say they are “definitely able” to meet loved ones’ needs, women face significant emotional and physical strain.

“Our research shows that women are sacrificing their own health and career growth out of love and a sense of responsibility for their families,” Tatyana Zlotsky, CEO of A Place for Mom, said.

Caregiving also disrupts careers and finances.

One in four women say it has worsened their employment opportunities, and households led by women caregivers report an average income of $62,302, compared with $77,273 for households with male caregivers.

Structural factors such as being single, divorced, separated, or widowed exacerbate these disparities.

“The real issue is that our healthcare systems and workplaces are not designed with caregivers in mind,” Zlotsky said.

Zlotsky, who became a caregiver for her grandparents as an immigrant teenager, emphasizes the importance of early planning and seeking support.

“It’s essential to push back on the idea that you have to do it all yourself to be a ‘good’ daughter, partner or mom,” she said.

APFM urges workplace flexibility, financial transparency and early planning as crucial interventions to reduce the hidden costs of caregiving.