A recent survey shows the COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on caregivers, especially low-income caregivers. Georgia Public Broadcasting reported this week that 80% of caregivers experienced increased burden and stress due to the pandemic.

The biggest challenge those caregivers face is emotional distress from trying to balance caregiver and employee roles, without much support from employers. The survey shows younger caregivers of color and those with lower levels of education and income are less likely to have flexibility with employers.

The stress from balancing jobs and caring for elderly family members is something that mental healthcare experts say will have to be addressed.

The report said that the problem will not be going away anytime soon. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicted the number of people over age 65 would double by 2030, and the Alzheimer’s Association projected the disease would increase by nearly 27% in Georgia by 2025.

GPB