A recent article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution highlights the ever pressing issue that employees have in caring for their senior parents.

 

I know from where they speak! Our office has 6 women (me and 5 support staff). Fully half of us (me, Becky and Sharron) are currently dealing with major caregiver issues. Sharron is caring for her mother, Becky, her father and I am caring for both my parents.

 

The Family Caregiver Alliance estimates that one out of four US households is involved in caring for a family member over the age of 50 and that one third of those caregivers work outside the home.

 

Gone are the days when women were home and could incorporate caregiving (despite its difficulties) into their day. As Professor Bill Kahnweiler, at Georgia State University explained, "the good news is that people are living longer. The challenge is that the longer we live the more problems we encounter".

 

Our office believes that it is our best interest to tell our staff that we value them as a contributing member of our team and to help them through these difficult times through working at home, flex time and other  accommodations. This is simply a return on our investment.