Over half of all caregivers reportedly work full time with 12% working part time and 9% reporting they had to quit their job due to caregiving responsibilities. As the baby boomer numbers continue to grow, the number of caregivers in this generation also continues to rise. Concurrently there is a growing need for employers to step up to the plate to assist in offering benefits specifically to caregivers.
According to the United States Department of Labor, 30% of employed adults are caregivers and in the next 10 years, that number is projected to jump to 54%. Other statistics indicate that caregivers suffer from more health problems than others, costing an estimated $13 billion yearly by United States employers. In fact, additional healthcare costs to employers is 8% for employees with eldercare responsibilities.
New trends involve a greater number of employees of all ages taking on the role of family caregiver. This means employers must step up to the plate to help support caregivers in dealing with senior care responsibilities. The following are innovative solutions for working caregivers:
1.Implement telecommuting, job sharing or flextime
2.Rearrange your schedule to accommodate caregiving responsibilities
3.Check to see if your company provides caregiver assistance programs
4.Explore options at your company such as, on site adult day centers
5.Find out whether the National Family and Medical Leave Act-allowing for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year, applies to your company policies
6.Be aware that some companies will make special arrangements for caregivers-even if policies do not currently offer considerations for caregivers
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