Recently our classmate Cindy Davis gave a talk on elderly caregiving as part of Women of Dartmouth’s THRIVE series. A recording of that webinar is linked below. Cindy was kind enough to share some more thoughts on this topic, which is becoming more relevant for many of us as our parents and other loved ones age.

Learn more about Cindy, her caregiving journey, and her career at the bottom of the post.

When Elderly Caregiving Upends Your Life, What’s Next?

Whether it begins with a phone call, a holiday visit, or a growing realization, stepping into the role of caregiver for an aging loved one can flip your world upside down. It shifts your priorities, routines, and sometimes, your very identity.

For some, it starts suddenly—a medical emergency demands immediate involvement. For others, it unfolds gradually—missed medications, a forgotten appointment, or concerns about personal hygiene. You may not have planned to become an informal caregiver, but here you are—navigating new responsibilities with little preparation.

This post introduces informal caregiving for anyone new to the role, currently in the thick of it, or reflecting on a journey recently completed. No matter where you are, you are not alone—and support is available.

What Is Informal Caregiving?

Informal caregiving is the unpaid care provided to aging or ill loved ones by family members, friends, or neighbors. This care often includes help with meals, transportation, medical appointments, managing medications, personal hygiene, and providing critical emotional support.

The scale of this work is staggering: an estimated 38 million Americans are caring for approximately 80 million older adults. That’s nearly 1 in 6 people providing care—often in addition to full-time jobs, parenting, or managing households.

The average duration of informal caregiving? 4.5 years—and many people provide care for even longer. Over time, what may start as helping out once a week can evolve into daily, around-the-clock care.

And while 60% of caregivers are women, that means 40% are men—a clear sign that caregiving is no longer defined by traditional gender roles. Men are increasingly stepping up, whether for parents, spouses, or extended family, contributing in diverse and meaningful ways.

Who Are Today’s Caregivers?

Caregiving spans generations. While Gen X (mid-40s to late-50s) is at the peak of juggling work, kids, and elder care, Millennials (mid-20s to early 40s) are stepping into caregiving roles earlier—often for grandparents or older relatives.

Here’s how the caregiving landscape breaks down by generation:

• Silent Generation (1928–1945): Now in their late 70s to 90s, often the recipients of care.
• Baby Boomers (1946–1964): Many are becoming care recipients but may still be caring for older spouses or relatives.
• Millennials (1981–1996): Emerging as the next wave of informal caregivers.
• Generation X (1965–1980): Most likely to be in active caregiving roles today.

And the challenge isn’t limited to age. With 61% of informal caregivers working full- or part-time, many are managing intense responsibilities both at work and at home.

The Real Impact of Caregiving

Caregiving can be deeply rewarding—but also emotionally, physically, and financially draining. Over time, many caregivers experience:

• Physical strain: From helping with mobility and daily tasks.
• Emotional fatigue: Watching a loved one decline and making tough decisions.
• Isolation: Social life and self-care often take a backseat.
• Financial stress: Out-of-pocket costs and reduced income are common.

This invisible role is vital to the healthcare system. In 2021 alone, informal caregiving contributions were valued at $600 billion, almost double what was spent on formal home and institutional care combined.

How Do You Prepare for the Journey?

If you’ve already started caregiving—or think you might soon—here’s what you can do:

• Acknowledge the role. Many people don’t realize they are “caregivers” at all.
• Start early conversations. Ask your loved one what they want for the future.
• Make a plan. Research resources, legal documents, and care needs before a crisis hits.
• Seek support. There are more tools and communities than ever before to help you.
• Watch the webinar, share this post, and bookmark GeriScope

GeriScope: A Resource to Help You Navigate

At GeriScope, we’ve been there. Our team combines personal caregiving experience with expert knowledge to help you plan, adjust, and manage the road ahead. Whether you’re wondering when to step in, how to coordinate care with family, or how to support your own well-being, we’re here.

Explore the GeriScope website. Because when caregiving upends your life, the next step is finding your way forward.

More about Cindy Davis

I am a proud Dartmouth ’85, and my connection to the College has come full circle as the son I raised while caring for my aging father is now a Dartmouth Class of 2025 senior. My passion for elder care advocacy began long before my personal caregiving journey—it started in high school when I wrote my college application essays on maintaining senior independence, socialization, and health as a Pre-Medicine major.

In 2018, I took a rare and precious weekend break from caregiving to attend a Women of Dartmouth Workshop in Chicago. That experience energized me and reignited my passion to be of service to the elderly, their loved ones, and caregivers. Since then, I have put those lessons to work—building GeriScope, writing The Elderly Caregiver Survival Guide, and preparing a THRIVE session to help women navigate the life-changing demands of elder care.

My professional background has further shaped my expertise. As Chief Revenue Officer and Consultant for MyDirectives, I have worked with clinicians, Medicare Advantage plans, and post-acute care providers to implement digital advance care planning solutions. My MBA from UCLA Anderson, my B.A. from Dartmouth, and my finance experience have all given me a unique ability to analyze, structure, and simplify complex caregiving challenges into actionable, real-world solutions. I wrote my book because I wished I had a guide like What to Expect When You’re Expecting—but for the final chapters of life. Now, I’m excited to help Dartmouth women facing these challenges gain clarity, strategies, and the confidence to take control of their caregiving journey—without sacrificing their careers, families, or well-being.

Speaker in two National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) webinars and panel discussion at Florida Association of Accountable Care Organization (FLAACO) Conference on advance care planning in healthcare. Organized and led multiple career training sessions for employees and advisory board meetings for clients and small business owners at major corporate events throughout career.