According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, an estimated 34 million Americans provide free, unpaid care for adults 50 and older each year. This number is growing rapidly. According to a survey by Home Instead, Inc., the franchisor of Home Instead Senior Care, more than half of caregivers feel they must make compromises at work in order to care for their elderly parents.
Adult children are increasingly taking on the caregiving role due to the aging population. This is often combined with a part-time or full-time job. The pressure to balance work and caring responsibilities has made 61% of caregivers feel like they have to choose between being a good employee or a great daughter or son. This is compounded by the fact that only 29 percent of caregivers are satisfied about their employer’s family-leave policy.
As the issue becomes more prevalent, it will become increasingly important that both employers and employees collaborate to find solutions. These are some suggestions to help you get started.
1. Ask for help – It can be very difficult for caregivers to ask for assistance, but it is also extremely beneficial. Employers should give employees the opportunity to voice their concerns. To check in on employees and get their feedback, schedule weekly meetings. Transparency allows employees to be transparent and not feel pressure to keep their problems to themselves.
2. You should have a flexible policy. There are no predetermined hours or set deadlines for caring for loved ones. Employers and employees will be able to agree on flexible work hours and other situations that may require them to take time off if there is a plan.
3. Provide in-office assistance. Employers can promote safety for caregivers at work by creating support groups for employees in similar situations. Employees can find relief from their stress by joining support groups. They also help to foster relationships that will positively affect the workplace culture.
4. Care for the caregiver – It can be easy to let a caregiver forget about their own needs when caring on a loved one. Encourage caregivers to make time for their own mental, physical and emotional health. Pay attention to any signs that your employee might need a break. Encourage them to take time off or connect them with resources.
5. Listen – An employer should listen to caregivers. Over half of caregivers feel depressed and find it hard to take care of themselves. When caregivers are offered hope and reassurance by their employers, it is a sign that they are open to having a discussion.
For employers and family caregivers, you can see more resources and tips here caregiverstress.comContact. For additional resources or to find out how a professional CAREGiverSM can help, please contact your local Home Instead Senior Care Office.
Find an office in your area at www.homeinstead.com/state/.
