by Ann Robson

Caregivers who are also in the workplace face a triple whammy.  They care for a family member 24/7; they work at a job; they are more likely than their noncaregiving peers to develop chronic diseases.

Ask anyone caring for an older family member what it’s like being a caregiver and you’ll get a variety of answers – stress, anxiety, anger, guilt, fatigue, sadness.  Stress is usually at the core of most of these. Add to the caregiver role the role of employee and the problems multiply, affecting both home and work lives.

Many see traditional caregiving as the responsibility of women, usually women who are no longer in the workforce. A recent study by MetLife shows that caregiving covers all age ranges, and more and more men have to assume caregiving responsibilities.

One of the more shocking results from the study showed that caregivers are less healthy than their noncaregiving counterparts. They tend to ignore their own health and don’t have regular, routine checkups.  Caregivers are more likely to have significantly higher rates of cholesterol, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, kidney disease and heart disease, leading to higher healthcare costs for both the individual and the employer.

Caring for the caregiver is vital to the caregiving picture.  A person who is under stress and has developed a health problem is less likely to be an effective caregiver and efficient employee.  Caregivers are notorious for not taking care of themselves first; failing to realize that if they aren’t well, giving care to someone else is even more difficult.

Sometimes even a brief respite from caregiver responsibilities is enough to ease the burden for a while.  Arranging for assistance from professional caregivers, for just a few hours now and then, or daily, can make a world of difference.  Caregivers learn that they do not have to carry the responsibility alone.  Asking for help is a significant step to caring for yourself and your loved one.

In today’s economic picture, those who have jobs are very aware of the vulnerable nature of their employment.  Few want to ‘rock the boat’ and end up without a paycheck.  Larger corporations are beginning to provide some form of eldercare for their employees.  This ranges from have a caregiver case manager on staff to providing information about resources for caregivers, to job changes such as telecommuting, working nontraditional hours or going to part-time work but keeping benefits.

The relationship between employment and caregiving is complex. Taking on the caregiving role for an ill or disabled relative may depend on whether or not an individual is employed, how flexible the job is, and how intense the caregiving will be.  Those with little flexibility in their jobs are less likely to take on a caregiving role or they may reluctantly choose to leave the workforce.

The dilemma for employed caregivers is becoming a real problem for the employee, the employer and the person needing care.  As enlightened employers begin to see the growing demand for help for those who are also caregivers, the quality of life for all parties is sure to improve.