According to a 2009 estimate, more than 42 Americans provide some kind of consistent care for elderly or impaired family members or friends -- and AARP is hoping to reach out to them with an ad urging them to take care of themselves too and utilize available resources.
The ad states that caring for the elderly or disabled can take a toll on health and finances -- especially when caregivers dip into their savings, cut back on working hours and put off their own visits to the doctor while juggling the added responsibilities.
Mary Jo George told FOX 9 News she has definitely struggled during the decade she has spent caring for her elderly parents, her in-laws, a child, work and regret.
"You are constantly feeling as though you can't do enough," she said.
So in her job providing long-term care at AARP, she can easily vouch for what their new public-service announcement is saying.
"I think you feel this overwhelming sense of guilt that you're not doing enough," she said.
The PSA called "The Silent Scream" is intended to make people who are playing the role of caregiver recognize that they are -- and to realize they can get help.
"The most important thing is for caregivers to take care of themselves so they can do a good job of caring for their loved one," George said.
Wilder Foundation launched a similar campaign last fall, warning people to be prepared for the aging Baby Boomer generation and their longer lives. It is estimated that the number of Americans adopting caregiving roles will rise by 85 percent in the next 40 years.
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