AARP Offers Help for Working Caregivers
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2004-02-13 17:16:00-05:00
AARP Kentucky has launched a new program aimed at helping employers support workers who have taken on the role of "caregiver" to older relatives or friends. And that's no small number! Eighty percent of the care provided to older adults is done by family and friends, and more than half of these caregivers work full-time.
People often think the term "caregiver" applies only to paid caregivers-nurses, home health aides, etc. But a caregiver is anyone who provides regular assistance to another person who is ill, has a disability or needs some help.
Although caregiving is rewarding in many ways, it can also be stressful-especially when a person is trying to juggle both family and work responsibilities. In fact, a majority of employees involved in elderly caregiving admit their job performance is negatively affected because they must make caregiving related phone calls during business hours, they have to arrive late or leave early, and they must take time off from work during the day for caregiving-related errands.
Thanks to the AARP Kentucky volunteers who collected information and assembled it in an easy-to-read guide, help is available.
The guide, "Resources on Caring for your Aging Relative or Friend: A Guide for Employers and Employees" helps identify the aging person's needs, gives several options for arranging for care and provides information about important legal and financial issues related to caregiving, as well as a detailed list of organizations that can help. It also gives you some hints on how to take care of yourself while you balance your time between work and caregiving.
We are working with employers throughout the Commonwealth to make them aware of this growing problem and to offer them assistance in making this guide available to their employees.
To receive a free copy of this guide email AARP Kentucky or call 1-866-295-7275 and ask for publication D#18334 (0605).
Other Resources
- AARP Caregiving
- AARP Legal Services Network
- Alzheimer ' s Association
- Assisted Living Federation of America
preview