November 2007 — Nearly 80% of family caregivers are finding the caregiving experience emotionally rewarding, despite initial negative perceptions of caregiving, according to a nationwide survey by Caring Today magazine, featured on NBC's Today show on November 21.

Published in conjunction with National Family Caregivers Month, the Caring Today survey shows that caregivers have distinctly more positive feelings after caring for a family member than they did as they were about to take on the responsibility. The number of caregivers finding the experience highly rewarding jumped by 50% following the caregiving experience.

A just-released National Alliance for Caregiving/Evercare study found that caregivers are often burdened by high out-of-pocket costs in caring for a spouse or parent. "While the Caring Today survey also found that many caregivers experience financial hardship due to caregiving, what is especially remarkable is that the overall caregiving experience is positive. Caregivers find that the caregiving experience helps them strengthen bonds with the person they're caring for in a way they never thought possible," said Susan Strecker Richard, Editor-in-Chief of Caring Today.

The Caring Today survey also offers strong advice for caregivers: "Being prepared to be a caregiver is directly related to the well-being of the caregiver, not just the patient," said Victor Imbimbo, President/CEO of Caring Today.

"Many people facing the issue of caring for an aging parent or physically-challenged relative wonder how they can manage it, along with all they do in other aspects of their busy lives," said Richard. "However, for the majority of family caregivers, the experience turns out to be emotionally rewarding beyond their highest expectations, reaffirming the significance of caregiving."

Sixty percent of the caregivers called the experience "very or extremely rewarding," a 50% jump over the number of caregivers who thought in advance they would find the experience "very or extremely rewarding" and a majority of the caregivers-nearly 54% formed a stronger bond with the patient during the time they were together.

Caring Today, through its magazine and website provides practical advice and resources for family caregivers through www.caringtoday.com and Caring Today, a bimonthly magazine.