Modern motherhood involves navigating a maze of responsibilities, often with a heavy load. This is especially true for the invisible labor of healthkeeping—overseeing the physical and mental health of family members. A recent report sheds light on the extent of this burden for moms.
The third annual What Patients Want report from the healthcare platform Zocdoc reveals that women are leading the charge in healthcare management for their families. This includes overseeing their own health, as well as that of their children, parents, and sometimes even their husbands and in-laws.
According to the report, an astonishing 52% of women are responsible for managing healthcare for someone else. This encompasses tasks like finding doctors, scheduling appointments, and coordinating care. Moreover, 29% of women handle healthcare for three or more individuals.
When it comes to appointment scheduling, women are the primary chauffeurs. They book 76% of appointments for others and 82% of appointments for men. For children (Gen A), only a mere 6% of appointments are scheduled by men.
As one mother, Zoe, shared with Zocdoc, “I’m always scheduling something for myself or my two young kids. Between check-ups, sick visits, and school forms, I squeeze it all in. It usually happens after school drop-off, during work meetings, or at night when the kids are finally asleep.” Her experience reflects the reality many mothers face.
So why is it that women are shouldering more healthkeeping responsibilities? Historically, caretaking roles gravitate toward moms, particularly when it involves children or aging parents. Many mothers enjoy better leave policies, enabling them to manage healthcare appointments when their children are infants, a pattern that often persists post-maternity leave. Because they are typically the default parents, moms are more in tune with their children’s health needs, making it natural for them to take the lead on scheduling appointments.
Additionally, many men tend to be less proactive about healthcare. They’re less likely to visit doctors for regular check-ups. A study by the Cleveland Clinic found that close to 60% of men do not see a doctor regularly and often seek care only when faced with serious illness. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control indicates that women are 33% more likely to seek medical attention and excel in routine screenings and preventive care. These facts indicate that many men may not schedule appointments unless encouraged by someone who cares about them.
For those interested in diving deeper, the full Zocdoc report is available here.
