The Challenges of Working and Caregiving

Posted on November 29, 2023 in Healthy Living

Each year, one in five Americans will give their time to care for an aging or ailing adult. Caregiving is a growing trend where working-age individuals become the support system for their parents, grandparents or neighbors.

More than half of those who become caregivers will do so while working full or part-time jobs. If unorganized, balancing work and caregiving duties can quickly become stressful.

A caregiver could play many roles at home, including medication dispenser, aide, appointment scheduler or finance manager. Keeping up with the needs of home and work can be an emotional rollercoaster, and caregivers are more likely to experience depression and anxiety due to “caregiver burnout.” Obesity, hypertension and usage of alcohol and tobacco products are also higher among caregivers.

Mixed Emotions on Caregiving

Many caregivers will say they are happy to care for their loved ones — caregiving can give them a sense of purpose. However, even those with positive feelings about their caregiving role can still face stress. When people feel overwhelmed for long periods, they often develop physical, psychological, or emotional symptoms. 

In addition to physical and mental health concerns, caregivers also face these challenges:

• 1 in 4 caregivers have difficulty taking care of their own health
• 1 in 5 caregivers has faced financial strain
• 6 in 10 caregivers have experienced work absences

Support for Caregivers

Employees may seek support and flexibility from the workplace to complete their work and provide the needed care for their loved ones. If you have an employee in a caregiving situation, here are some ways you can offer your support:

• Check-in more frequently
• Provide flexibility for deadlines
• Offer remote work
• Model the importance of self-care and time off

A Growing Challenge

As the baby boomer generation enters retirement, we know that more adults will soon require additional caregiving support from their children, grandchildren and friends. Caregiving is a growing social challenge that communities and employers should be prepared to support.