Spring 2014
Resources for Employers, Human Resources Professionals and Employee Assistance Program Staff
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Should Family Caregivers Have Protected Status?

A proposed bill in Minnesota would add "familial status" and "family caregiver" as protected classes under the state's Human Rights Act for the purposes of employment. One goal of the bill is to protect family caregivers from discrimination, such as not giving a family caregiver a promotion because of their responsibilities at home.

 

Study Shows More Workplaces Offer Flexibility for Caregiving

Increasingly, both nonprofit and for-profit companies are offering workplace flexibility, paid and unpaid leave, and resource and referral services, according to the 2014 National Study of Employers.

 

Relationship Between Full-Time Employed Female Caregivers and Depression

Women's Health Issues reports that caregivers that had a higher mental effort and workload in caregiving, and poorer self-assessed health status were significantly correlated with high depressive symptoms. Daughters and women who lived with their care recipient also reported worse effort, workload, and health experiences.

 

More Caregiving, Less Working: Caregiving Roles and Gender Difference

Results show that women caregivers for parents and/or grandchildren were less likely to be in the labor force than non-caregivers and that caregiving responsibility was not related to labor force participation for the sample of men. Findings have implication for supporting family caregivers, especially women, to balance work and caregiving commitments.

 

2014 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures Highlights Special Challenges for Working Caregivers of People with Alzheimer's Disease

Because of caregiving duties, women are likely to experience adverse consequences in the workplace. Nearly 19 percent of women Alzheimer's caregivers had to quit work either to become a caregiver or because their caregiving duties became too burdensome. 

 

Companies Must Approach Advanced Health Events as Business Issue

The challenges of dealing with a loved one's advanced illness also affects worker productivity. While almost all companies claim that their most valuable assets are their employees, most businesses have not yet fully recognized the impact of advanced illness on their employees' performance.

Resources for Employees and Family Caregivers

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Information & Support for In-Home Dementia Caregivers

This educational series is designed to aid caregivers who are helping a loved one suffering from dementia. Follow Harold and Margaret as they face common issues surrounding dementia in-home care, including home safety, legal matters, dealing with problem behaviors and learning relaxation techniques. 

 

How to Beat the Stress of Caring for a Sick Spouse

 

Caregiving:  A Special Report, Washington Post

 

A Guide for Family Caregivers of Loved Ones with Rare Diseases

 

Reflecting on What I've Learned From My Mom on Mother's Day

 

Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline

The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline provides reliable information and support to all those who need assistance including those with  memory loss, caregivers, health care professionals and the public. Call 24/7: 1.800.272.3900 or TDD: 1.866.403.3073

As a service of the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging, the Working Caregiver E-News provides resources and information for employers, human resource professionals, and employee assistance program staff, as well as working caregivers. The multiple-sourced resources focus on topics that affect both employers and employees. If you have suggestions for future issues, please email [email protected]. You can view archived issues on our website.

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