The stats surrounding working caregivers

We are going to talk about statistics in this blog.  Why?  Because I believe sometimes the facts have to be put out there so everyone realizes that caregiving is an issue in our country and we all need to be prepared to be a caregiver or to help someone else we know that is a caregiver.

First, we have to realize who these caregivers are.

Family members comprised the highest percentage of who cares for our older adults – 88%. One third to one half of these caregivers are employed outside the home. Both males and females are caregivers. Females tend to do the hands-on care, while males tend to manage the home, finances and yard work.  65% of all caregivers are working full or part time – accounting for lower productivity rates while on the job.  73% of employed caregivers leave work early and come in late, and 11–12% quit their jobs sooner than anticipated, contributing to higher turnover rates.  By 2019, the number of employed caregivers is expected to increase to nearly 15.6 million, representing roughly one in ten workers.

Working caregivers have more stress-related illnesses like chronic muscle tension, insomnia, indigestion, trembling, teeth grinding, jaw clenching, sweaty hands, changes in appetite, dizziness, stomachache, headache and back pain.  These are warning signs of stress, depression, exhaustion and other illnesses, and they won’t go away by themselves.

The time is now for working caregivers to start talks with their employers and bring these facts to their attention. It’s also time to let them know that programs designed to help employed caregivers address the issues of caregiving do exist – programs which also assist companies with the financial losses associated with this issue. In fact, such a program exists right in our backyard. Known as the Caring Workplace, the program, which is offered through my organization, Senior Solutions, has been assisting local caregivers and employers for many years.

With $34.4 billion in productivity now being lost in our country every year due to caregiving issues, we need to share these facts with everyone to increase awareness and help caregivers gain the care and support they so desperately need.

Ann Bannes is Vice President of Senior Solutions, a service of St. Andrew’s and St. Luke’s Hospital. Senior Solutions offers a wealth of services designed to help caregivers cope with the challenges of caring for an aging family member, friend or loved one. To learn more, visit www.seniorsolutions-stl.com or call 314-726-5766.