Eldercare Resources
The American family is undergoing historic changes. Because of an unprecedented demographic shift, we are changing from a young to an old society. We live at a time of unprecedented increase in life expectancy the average expectancy is 76 years. The National Institute of Aging predicts that by 2040 the number of Americans 85 and over could grow to more than 30 million (UVM Center for the Study of Aging). This trend has been called the "age wave," and it is forcing critical changes in the way we live and work, and in how we care for those we love. One of the most dramatic changes is in the number of people who are responsible for elder care. A study by the American Society on Aging estimates that approximately 25 million Americans are now caring for a parent or older loved one. Between one-third to one-half of all caregivers are also employed outside the home.
Working caregivers sacrifice leisure time, and often suffer stress-related illnesses. Negative effects on working caregivers include time lost from work, lower productivity, quitting a job to give care, lost career opportunities and lower future earnings. Eventually, some 12 percent quit their jobs to provide care full-time. Recent research indicates the costs to employers averages $2500 per worker involved in care giving (Scharlach, Lowe and Schneider, 1991). Nationally, recent research indicates the loss in productivity costs businesses between 11.4 billion dollars and 29 billion dollars annually (Metropolitan Life, 1997). When elder care issues arise, you need to act as early as you can. You need to know what questions to ask, what kind of help is available and what is most appropriate. (For example, your elder may not need to go into a nursing home; all that may be required is to safety-proof his/her own home, or bring in someone to do household chores, for a fraction of the cost.)
Many faculty and staff find themselves in conflict with their career and job responsibilities and those of being parents and having aging and increasingly dependent parents. By offering these resources and EAP services at the workplace, you will be provided the information, support and consultation that will decrease your stress levels and allow you to give better care and support to your family.
The Strain on Caregivers
If you feel that caring for a loved one has increased your stress level, you are not alone. In fact, many caregivers are at a higher risk of illness and injury than their non-caregiving counterparts. Sixty percent of caregivers report physical strain as a result of caregiving, and many others report anxiety, depression, substance abuse and weight changes as a direct result of caregiving.
The stresses of caregiving are not just physical, they are emotional and financial as well. Eighty percent of caregivers report a great deal of emotional strain brought on by caregiving. Financial burdens and concerns about work surely contribute to this strain.
http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmeap/?Page=eldercare.html&SM=eldermenu.html
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