Quick SummaryAbout 40% of caregivers are men. Male caregivers often feel uncomfortable with personal care tasks (bathing, toileting, dressing) and prefer care management over implementation. They are more likely to hire outside help but less likely to discuss struggles or seek emotional support. Overcoming stigmas involves focusing on care quality and using support groups.
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When one pictures the average person caring for an elderly parent, who is the person that comes to mind? More often than not, that person is a middle-aged woman. This is all due to statistics. It’s more likely for women to take on caregiving roles in their families than men.
However, this doesn’t mean there are no male caregivers. In fact, the number of men who serve as caregivers may be higher than you expect– according to a 2015 AARP report, about 40% of caregivers are men. This number only went up during the pandemic.
It is important to normalize men caring for their loved ones. It may inspire more men to take on a caregiving role, or at the very least, offer help to those who serve as a caregiver more often. In this blog post, we’ll explore male caregiver roles: facts and figures.
Some differences between male and female caregivers
Most men grow up in a culture where women are perceived as and act as the primary family caregiver. So, when many men take on the care of a loved one, it can be something of a culture shock. In comparison to their female caregiver counterparts, men are…
More likely to feel uncomfortable with handling personal care
For many men, adjusting to the tasks that come with personal care is one of the biggest hurdles to overcome. Toileting, bathing, and dressing can be uncomfortable for anyone, but according to a report by AARP Public Policy, men who have spent limited time caring for children may find it especially difficult. For women who have had experience caring for a child in the past, this may not be as challenging.
Instead of personal care responsibilities, many men prefer duties that help their elderly loved ones around the home. These include home maintenance, bill maintenance, and transportation to doctor’s appointments. These tasks are usually less emotion-based.
More likely to favor care management rather than implementation
As mentioned above men are more likely to prefer care management as opposed to actually implementing said care regimen themselves. They are also more likely to hire outside help, such as home-care workers when serving as the primary caregiver for a parent or spouse.
This allows them to maintain the habits set by a professional as opposed to starting their own program. Female caregivers are more likely to take all of the aspects of caring for a loved one into their own hands.
Less likely to discuss their struggles with others
Despite being more likely to hire help, male caregivers are less likely to reach out to help. Due to the social constructs and gender roles so deeply entrenched in our society, many men feel they have to bottle up their emotions. This is especially prevalent in middle-aged caregivers.
Caregiving can be an emotional and lonely experience. Women are more likely to express the toll taken on them than their male counterparts. Seeking support during these difficult times leads to better health overall.
Because men in caregiving roles are still a significantly smaller statistic than women in caregiving roles, support groups are greatly beneficial. Together, male caregivers can tackle the workload that comes with caring for a loved one and the emotional strain.
How can I overcome the stigmas associated with being a male caregiver?
Stigmas around care continue to exist because they continue to be perpetuated. As you provide care to your elderly loved one, do your best to avoid any harmful stereotypes and instead focus on care. What matters more than anything is that your elderly loved one receives the care they require to live comfortably at home.
If you struggle to implement caregiving tasks (whether due to a lack of experience or otherwise) that is okay. The more time you spend performing these tasks and learning about the act of caregiving, the more confident you will be.
Caregiving help
There is one thing that men and women alike can agree with: quality help makes a world of difference. Having the support of an in-home caregiver positively impacts not only your life but the life of your elderly loved one.
Whether used as supplementary care or as a senior’s primary caregiver, in-home care workers can help bridge the gap you may feel you need. At Home Care Powered by AUAF, our staff helps seniors stay in the comfort of their own homes while giving them peace of mind. We will work with you to set a plan that best fits your, and your loved one’s life.
You can even become a certified caregiver and be paid for the care you provide your loved one with us. Instead of juggling a job, a personal life, and caring for a loved one, becoming a paid caregiver might be a better option for you.
Contact us at to learn more about the process.
