The study's authors say millions of non-professional caregivers in California may be more distressed and financially burdened than the rest of us.

Their analysis showed these caregivers may engage more in unhealthy habits such as smoking and alcohol use. 

Geoffrey Hoffman is lead author of the study. He says caretakers aren't using many of the state services available to them.

But he says programs such as adult day health care and in-home support help the care recipients as well as their loves ones.

HOFFMAN: If state and local programs are reducing their availability to California seniors, the task of caring for older adults will in fact will fall to family members and friends.

The study found middle aged caregivers in the sandwich generation were most at risk for health problems such as diabetes or heart disease.