Caregiving by the Numbers: What Research Says About Stress and a Caregiver Moment of Connection

A clear look at the data—and what it means for you.

The Numbers Behind the Experience

If you’ve ever felt like caregiving is more than a full-time job…you’re not imagining it.

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, the average caregiver provides over 24 hours of care per week.For many, that number climbs to 40+ hours—on top of work, parenting, and personal responsibilities.

And the emotional toll? It’s just as real.

The Stress Is Measurable

• 61% of family caregivers report high emotional stress

• 40-70% experience symptoms of depression

• Over 1 in 3 caregivers say their own health has worsened because of caregiving(Source: Family Caregiver Alliance, AARP, and NAC)

But here’s what’s equally true: Caregivers are remarkably resilient.

Even in the face of prolonged pressure, many report personal growth, deeper relationships, and moments of profound meaning.

What Research Says About a Caregiver Moment of Connection

Studies have shown that even small, meaningful interactions—what we call a caregiver moment of connection—can:

• Reduce cortisol (the stress hormone)

• Increase dopamine and oxytocin (feel-good and bonding hormones)

• Help reframe care as a relationship rather than a task

• Support both caregiver and care recipient emotional regulation

  
  

In fact, just one emotionally resonant moment per day has been shown to lower perceived caregiver burden over time(Source: Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 2021).

These aren’t just “nice” moments. They’re protective.

💡 Caregiver Reflection

• Which caregiving tasks tend to feel most overwhelming?

• Have you noticed a shift when connection—rather than just completion—is your focus?

• What systems (or people) have helped you carry the weight?

If you're exhausted, you're not weak. You're responding to a very real and measurable load. Let this awareness give you permission to pause—and ask for more of what you need.

💬 Words to Carry

The numbers are staggering.The reality is heavy.But the human capacity to love, adapt, and endure? That’s unshakable.

“You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” —Bob Marley

🗓️ Coming Next:

“What I Wish I Could Say Out Loud.

” In our next Voice of the Caregiver post, we’ll hear honest words from caregivers about what they carry, what they want others to understand, and what they often keep inside. These words might echo your own.