ElderCare Support is Critical
A recent study conducted at The University of Pittsburgh found that caregivers generate an increase of 8% in excess medical costs as compared to those who are not caring for their elderly parents. The results of this study suggest that caregiving an older relative is an important factor in the health, medical care expense, and productivity of employees across all age groups.
While caregivers have increased health issues reporting depression, diabetes, hypertension and pulmonary disease regardless of their age, they are not likely to identify themselves as caregivers in the workplace. One survey reported that of those companies providing eldercare support, only 2% of employees utilized these services! What gives?
Reduce Fears, Perceptions and Costs
We know that caregiving is dangerous to our health and costs employers an estimated $17.1 – $33.6 billion annually attributable to caregiving. But, what we also know is that difficult economic times generate anxious employees, fearful of the perception that there is anything getting in the way of their company loyalty and focus of attention. Are employees keeping caregiving a dirty little secret?
Create Caregiver and Workplace Partnership
Meeting at the East Coast Conference on Aging from the American Society of Aging Conference in Philadelphia, the certified care managers from Complete Care Strategies met with other professionals in aging to dialogue about this dilemma. How can we help caregivers in the workplace?
What do you think? If you could get help at work, would you sign on? How can better senior care become accessible the workplace without giving employees one more thing to worry about?
About the Author
Beverly Bernstein Joie is the founder and president of Complete Care Strategies, a senior care management company serving Philadelphia and its surrounding communities. A Certified Aging Life Care Manager with more than 20 years of experience, Beverly has worked in senior care since 1994, both in assisted living communities and in private practice. She is a member of the Aging Life Care Association and was a former president of the Philadelphia Chapter.
Complete Care Strategies consists of care managers, specialized human service professionals, who advocate and direct the care of seniors and others facing ongoing health challenges. Working with families, its expertise provides the answers at a time of uncertainty. Along with its licensed home care division, it can help clients safely remain at home under the watchful eye of skilled professionals. Families are afforded an integrated model of care that, with guidance and advocacy, lead them to the actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for those they love