New Survey Reveals Physical, Mental and Financial Challenges Faced by Caregivers in the United States

ROCKLAND, Mass., Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- EMD Serono, the biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in the US and Canada, announced the results of the Embracing Carers™ international survey highlighting the often-overlooked needs of unpaid caregivers. The survey¹, released as part of a multi-year initiative by the company, uncovered that nearly half (49%) of unpaid caregivers surveyed have feelings of depression.

US survey key findings include:

• Nearly half (45%) of unpaid caregivers surveyed feel that their physical health has suffered as a result of their caregiver duties.
• Nearly half (45%) of unpaid caregivers surveyed don't often have time to book or attend medical appointments for themselves.
• 41% of female unpaid surveyed caregivers report that being a caregiver has put pressure on their financial situation, as compared to 28% of male caregivers.
• Almost half (47%) of female unpaid surveyed caregivers do not feel supported at all by the local community and a third (33%) of unpaid caregivers do not feel supported at all by their local health system and just 40% of unpaid caregivers feel supported by their employer in their role as a caregiver.

The challenge of caregiving is exacerbated by the lack of support that many caregivers say they receive.

"Millions of caregivers within the US play a pivotal role in the lives of patients. Embracing Carers™ aims to support the health and well-being of caregivers to seek help and resources to address the financial, emotional and physical pressures of caregiving," said Gary Zieziula, President and Managing Director, EMD Serono. "EMD Serono is working with caregiver thought leaders to help elevate caregiving as a public health priority within the US and around the world as part of our company's overall commitment to patients."

Embracing Carers™ Initiative Launched

To address the need for caregiver support, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and EMD Serono launched Embracing Carers™ under advisement of leading caregiver organizations from both the US and around the world including the Caregiver Action Network (CAN), Carers Australia, Carers UK, Carers Worldwide, Eurocarers, National Alliance for Caregiving, International Alliance of Carer Organizations (IACO) and Shanghai Roots & Shoots, China.

"We have been encouraged by the findings of the Embracing Carers™ International Survey, particularly the results showing that nearly half of caregivers in the US are feeling some kind of physical strain – this aligns with findings from our own studies into caregiver challenges," said Grace Whiting, Chief Operating Officer, National Alliance for Caregiving. "The NAC is delighted to be a part of Embracing Carers™ movement helping to support caregivers. This initiative is very meaningful to us and the work we are doing in the United States."

Embracing the Critical Role of Caregivers Around the World

In addition to the survey, Embracing Carers™ published the, Carers Report: Embracing the Critical Role of Carers Around the World. Co-created with the Embracing Carers™ strategic advisors, the Carers Report concluded that a greater understanding of the issues facing caregivers needs to translate into action. Only through working with the global community of caregiver organizations, patient groups, governments, employers, industry, and other key stakeholders, will caregivers around the world receive the recognition and support they so greatly need and deserve.

"Data from the Embracing Carers™ International Survey clearly shows that we still need to provide the recognition that caregivers deserve and the significant support they need," said Lisa Winstel, Chief Operating Officer, Caregiver Action Network (CAN). "We welcome the launch of Embracing Carers™, which aligns with National Family Caregivers Month, as we all work together to get needed resources to caregivers and ultimately improve their lives, in the US and around the world."

For more information on Embracing Carers™, the International Survey or Carers Report, visit www.embracingcarers.com.

About the Embracing Carers™ International Survey

The Embracing Carers™ online survey was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. It questioned 3,516 unpaid caregivers aged 18-75 years including 2,106 respondents aged 35-55 in Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK and the US between July 27 and August 8, 2017.

About EMD Serono, Inc.
EMD Serono is the North America biopharma business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany - a leading science and technology company - focused exclusively on specialty care. For more than 40 years, the business has integrated cutting-edge science, innovative products and industry-leading patient support and access programs. EMD Serono has deep expertise in neurology, fertility and endocrinology, as well as a robust pipeline of potential therapies in oncology, immuno-oncology and immunology as R&D focus areas. Today, the business has more than 1,100 employees around the country with commercial, clinical and research operations based in the company's home state of Massachusetts. Learn more at www.emdserono.com.

About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 50,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life – from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2016, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of € 15.0 billion in 66 countries.

Founded in 1668, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, holds the global rights to the "Merck" name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.

References:
1.   Embracing Carers™ International Survey. Censuswide July 27 – August 8, 2017

Lisa Buffington - 781.681.2340

SOURCE EMD Serono

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