When you think of a caregiver, you may picture an older woman—maybe the oldest daughter in the family or a devoted wife stepping up to care for her husband.
For a long time, women have assumed caregiving roles. It’s well-documented that wives are far more likely to care for their husbands than vice versa.
Whether due to biology, societal norms, or outdated stereotypes, male caregivers have historically been rare.
Times, however, are changing. Today, 40% of caregivers are men, according to the AARP. That’s right—nearly half of all caregivers are now men, reshaping what it means to be a caregiver.
In this article, we’ll explore male caregiving, how it’s unique, the challenges men face, and resources to help male caregivers thrive in their roles.
Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
Understanding male caregiving tendencies
Here’s the thing: male caregivers often approach caregiving a bit differently than women.
They’re more focused on solving problems and checking off tasks than embracing a nurturing, emotional style of care. It’s not better or worse—just different:
1. A focus on tasks and problem-solving
For many male caregivers, caregiving is approached like a project to manage. They might focus on tasks such as paying the bills, scheduling appointments, providing rides to doctor’s offices, or fixing things around the house.
Men may see caregiving as a series of problems to solve and help stay organized; however, it also may mean less emphasis on emotional connection or nurturing.
2. Hands-on personal care is less common
Tasks such as bathing, grooming, and managing incontinence care can be challenging, especially if they haven’t had prior experience with caregiving tasks.
Men are more likely to outsource these responsibilities to professional care workers, such as nurses or personal care aides.
3. Emotional expression isn’t always a priority
Male caregivers are less likely to express or process the emotional toll of caregiving openly. Instead, they may bottle up their feelings or focus entirely on the logistics of caregiving.
While this approach helps in the short term, it can lead to caregiver burnout and isolation over time.
Key challenges male caregivers face
Caregiving is no small feat, and for male caregivers, additional cultural challenges come with the role.
From battling outdated stereotypes to managing the hidden emotional toll, let’s discuss some of the biggest challenges for men.
1. Emotional stigma
While some things have evolved, men are not always encouraged to express their feelings easily. Caregiving can be emotionally draining, but many male caregivers hesitate to express their stress or ask for help.
They might feel pressure to “tough it out” or think that needing support is a sign of weakness (it’s not).
2. Lack of representation
Men make up 40% of caregivers. However, the image of a caregiver is still overwhelmingly tied to women.
This lack of inclusion can make male caregivers feel isolated or underrepresented, making it harder for them to feel seen.
3. Burnout risk
Male caregivers are more focused on checking off the boxes of their daily tasks, but caregiving is much more than a checklist.
Over time, this over-reliance on practicality can lead to emotional exhaustion and burnout.
Tips for male caregivers to succeed
If you’re a male caregiver, you already bring unique strengths. Here’s how to build on those strengths and tackle some challenges head-on.
1. Lean into your planning skills
You’ve got a knack for problem-solving, so use that to your advantage.
Create a caregiving plan that includes a schedule for appointments, meal prep, and other essential tasks. Break things down into manageable steps to stay organized and reduce stress.
2. Learn hands-on care (and when to call in help)
Personal care tasks like bathing or grooming can feel intimidating, especially if you’re new to caregiving.
Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance or lean on professional caregivers for support. It’s not about doing everything yourself—it’s about ensuring your loved one gets the care they need.
3. Don’t forget about self-care
You can’t pour from an empty cup, so ensure you’re taking care of yourself.
Whether it’s regular exercise, hobbies, or simply taking a breather, carving out time for yourself is crucial.
And remember: asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s smart.
How to prevent caregiver burnout for men
Burnout doesn’t just happen overnight. It creeps in slowly, so recognizing the warning signs is the first step to avoiding it. Here’s how to keep burnout at bay and stay strong in your caregiving journey.
1. Know the signs
Burnout can look different for everyone, but common signs include:
- Constant fatigue
- Irritability more than usual
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling disconnected
If you’re noticing these, it’s time to hit pause and reassess what you need to get back to your normal-feeling self.
2. Build your support network
Caregiving can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Seek out peer support groups, especially ones tailored to male caregivers.
Talking to others who “get it” can be a game-changer. Bonus: educational groups that provide actionable advice tend to resonate with men.
3. Use community resources and respite care
You don’t have to do it all. Community resources like adult day programs, meal delivery services, and respite care can lighten your load.
These services help caregivers recharge while ensuring loved ones are well cared for.
Memory care support for caregivers in Redondo Beach
At Kensington Redondo Beach, we understand the challenges caregivers face when supporting loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Our assisted living and memory care communities provide expert support and personalized care to ease the journey for families.
Our Promise to care for your family as we do our own guides our dedication to serving caregivers and residents alike.
Contact our admissions team to learn how we can help your family and assist your caregiving journey.