Caring for aging parents places stress on employees
Recent surveys by the National Alliance of Caregivers and AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) have determined that the average caregiver to elderly parents is a 46 year-old female with a full-time job (nearly 61%!) with children, family responsibilities and obligations.
Studies have also shown a steady decline in the personal health of such caregivers, because women tend to do for others before they do for themselves.
In addition, these women are also sacrificing, and often suffering, because they must often miss work because of aging parent care obligations in addition to facing the very real possibility of losing their jobs because of such demands.
If you or your employees are concerned about an aging parent or caregiver, Mission's Caring for Parents Education and Support Program (CAPES) can help. This program, a collaboration between Mission Hospital Wellness Resource Center and The Council on Aging of Buncombe County, offers both classes in education and ongoing support groups for those who need help caring for their aging loved one.
The support groups are from 5 to 6:30 the third Monday of each month at 50 Doctor's Drive. Additional education programs are offered during the year, covering topics important to caregivers, such as Role Reversal: Parenting Your Parent, or Dealing with Anger and Resentment. The topic in October will be Anticipatory Grief and Loss. Visit (our web calendar-link here)to see the class schedule and topics. For more information call Linda Hemstreet at 828- 213-1804.
It is important for employees to understand that they are not alone in this process and that help is just a phone call away.
More sobering statistics from boomers-with-elderly-parents.com
- The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that nearly 30% of workforce employees provide elder care for a parent or parents.
- By 2010, the percentage will increase to 54%.
- Over 14 million employees today are dealing with balancing careers, jobs and elder care.
- Stress related health issues for caregivers has risen 27%.
- Nearly two-thirds of caregivers express some conflict between demands at home and demands from employers.
- Studies show that these women often spend more time involved in elder care of parents than they do in the workplace, which results in fewer work hours, less take-home pay, or benefits such as health care for themselves.
- In addition, such providers of elder care also give up on personal hobbies and activities that help them reduce stress, such as exercise, socializing and 'personal time'.
