Caregivers are traditionally expected to be women, but nearly 40 percent of caregivers today are men.  This is approximately twice the proportion of male caregivers there were 15 years ago, when it was just 19 percent.  According to the USA Today, one reason for this is that more women older than 65 have Alzheimer’s disease, requiring a caregiver.  This role usually defaults to the spouse, which may help explain some of the increase in male caregivers.

Researchers studying this trend have also identified differences in male and female caregivers.  The manner in which men and women handle the role varies.  In general, men are taught by society to be stoic and strong, rarely showing emotion.  This is particularly true of older generations, where the caregivers would now be in their 60s and 70s.  In contrast, women address the situation emotionally.  Men will address problems based on tangible actions needed, seeking out clear facts and creating a list of tasks.

In the Journal of Advanced Nursing, researchers confirmed this difference.  Studying 52 caregivers that were relatives of the person for whom they were caring, they found that females suffered from more strain in the role.  While male caregivers showed some negative impacts, such as a less positive outlook and lack of social support, female caregivers suffered significantly higher detrimental impacts, including health problems, familial conflicts, strained relationships, and a less positive outlook as well.  This could be explained by the manner in which women process the role as compared with men.

The increase in men taking on the role of caregiver departs from research published in the Gerontologist, which examined 131 adult children that were primary caregivers to an older, frail parent.  The study found that sons become caregivers only in the absence of an available female sibling.  The sons also rely more on their spouses to help with care and provide less assistance overall.

The HSC Foundation notes that there is a lack of research into male caregivers.  The Foundation emphasizes the importance of caregivers, since 21 percent of American adults provide unpaid care to an adult family member.  Understanding how different types of caregivers work will be useful in developing resources to assist them and maximizing the benefits of their actions.  The Alzheimer’s Association highlights the special challenges caregivers for Alzheimer’s and Dementia face.  Caregivers may need help meeting these challenges.  Assistance built on an understanding of varying caregiver needs will be most beneficial for the caregiver and the patient.