FCRP Policy Statement
August 1997- Volume-7-
Edition-5
Working Caregivers for Cancer Patients: Sacrifices in
work and personal lives
Nearly 7 million Americans provide care or manage care
for a relative or friend aged 55 or older who lives at least
one hour away. In a recent survey that focused exclusively
on long-distance caregiving it was found that the primary
caregivers spent an average of 35 hours per month giving
care -- roughly the equivalent of one week of work each
month. One-quarter of all the respondents spent more than
41 hours per month providing care.
Long-distance caregiving is a large and growing concern
to baby boomers. The average age of the caregivers interviewed
was 46. The survey indicates that approximately 3.3 million
boomers are providing long-distance care. To deal with this
growing phenomenon, employers, consumers and government
will need to foster better ways of helping the caregiver
and receiver.
Impact on Workplace: Productivity Losses
As long-distance caregiving grows along with the aging
of boomers and their parents, employers in the U.S. may
face serious employee leave and productivity issues. More
than half of all the respondents said their responsibilities
interfere with their professional, social, or family needs.
Among the employed respondents, 25 percent said they miss
at least one day of work in a typical month because of their
caregiving, and 15 percent said they had taken unpaid leave
during the past year. It is estimated that at least 15 million
days of work are missed each year because of long-distance
caregiving.
Opportunities for Private Businesses and Voluntary Sector
Given their burdens, long-distance caregivers could benefit
from assistance. Caregivers report that the greatest unmet
needs of the care recipients are for personal care and assistance,
companionship, help in coping with an illness, and more
family contact. More than 70 percent of the caregivers reported
that they would benefit from educational materials about
community and health services.
How is the Workforce Affected by Caregiving?
| Time lost from work |
unscheduled leaves, late
arrivals, missed work days, excessive personal phone
calls |
| Decreased productivity |
27% work less effectively because
of worries about the care recipient. 58% work more slowly
because of being worried or upset. |
| Lost opportunities |
About 1 in 7 caregivers has to quit
work to become a full-time caregiver. Some workers take
unpaid time off to cope, some turn down career opportunities.
Others continue to work to be able to afford the care
provided by others for their loved ones. |
Policy Implications
-
Tax incentives for businesses which provide
on-site adult day care services and computer technology
to support alternative work schedules.
-
Support businesses which provide pre-tax
dollar accounts for elder care and medical care benefits
for employees' elderly dependents.
-
Funding for agencies which provide meals,
chore and housekeeping services.
-
Develop educational materials about community
and health services.
More than $13,000 per year is lost on each employee who
has caregiving responsibilities. Programs developed to address
the issues related to caregiving must provide assistance
which will benefit both employees and employers.
Taken from: Reinemer, Mike. (1997, May).
The National Council On the Aging: Seven Million Provide
Long-Distance Caregiving to Elderly [12paragraphs]. Available:
http://www.ncoa.org/content.cfm?sectionID=105&detail=49
|
