Toll of looking after parents not spoken about, carers say

Article excerpt

Nearly all adult children caring for aging parents report living in a state of constant vigilance, according to a survey of over 4,000 respondents by Carents' Room. Ninety-six percent say they are "always on alert," yet carers describe the emotional and physical burden as largely invisible and unspoken in public conversation. The survey captures the reality of adult children juggling work, family, and caregiving responsibilities, a role that often goes unacknowledged by employers, friends, and even family members. Many carers report struggling with guilt, exhaustion, and isolation. The findings highlight a gap between the scale of unpaid family caregiving and the societal recognition it receives.