Elder care certainly takes its toll on today’s
workers. What’s even more challenging, however, is taking care of
a relative suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive degenerative
brain condition that leads to almost complete dependence on others.
Who Cares? Families Caring For Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease,
a 1999 study by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Alliance
for Caregiving, is a portrait of the overwhelming task of caring
for a loved one that has Alzheimer’s disease. Consider these findings:
- Alzheimer’s caregivers report spending an average of 17.6 hours
per week giving care — significantly higher than non-Alzheimer’s
caregivers report spending (11.8 hours). Many Alzheimer’s caregivers
also report providing more than 40 hours of care each week (27
percent compared to 14 percent of non-Alzheimer’s caregivers).
- Caregiving seriously interferes with a caregiver’s employment
outside of the home. Seven in 10 caregivers have been employed
at some time since they began their role as caregivers. More than
half report missing time from work, cutting back from full-time
to part-time work, taking a less demanding job, choosing early
retirement, turning down a promotion, or giving up work altogether.
- The survey data show that Alzheimer’s caregivers suffer higher
levels of physical strain and emotional stress. Huge pressures
are placed on their other family and work responsibilities.
- Three-quarters of caregivers in the Alzheimer’s Association
survey said they were depressed and half reported living with
their ailing friend or family member, making theirs a round-the-clock
job. It’s no wonder American businesses lose $26 billion annually
due to caregiving employees. While there are a variety of non-medical
services, products, and support available, relatively few caregivers
know about them. Caregivers are in critical need of information
and resources about what’s going to happen over the course of
the illness, what to expect, what they can provide, and what assistance
is available to them.
“ Realizing that access to information and community resources is
very important for persons caring for an individual with Alzheimer’s
disease and for the employers they work for, we provide a helpful
tool which we call our Alzheimer’s Pak," says Chris Newton, President
and CEO of Work|Life Benefits. “ Employees simply call their company’s
resource and referral network and a packet of valuable information
is mailed to their home.” Resources provided include various tip
sheets, pamphlets, and/or books hand selected to meet each caller's
specific needs, along with contact information (referrals) for care
providers, support groups, and associations in their geographic
area. Paks are available on more than four-dozen recurring and “ hot”
issues, which impact work and life balance.
It is estimated that 14 million people will have Alzheimer’s disease
in 2050 — up from 4 million today. It’s no wonder that Alzheimer’s
disease is predicted to be the health crisis of the 21st century.
More than anything, the growing number of caregivers needs help
and support. By providing a ready pool of resources and information,
employers can make a real difference to their caregiving employees.
For more information on the Alzheimer’s Pak, visit the Work/Life
Benefits website.
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