In the halls of the nation’s businesses, the hushed whispers, which were once reserved for gossip and Monday morning quarterbacking now echo the despair stressed out women are feeling in their role as caregiver.
While men do represent a growing percentage of today’s caregivers, the role is still largely filled by women. In what could be considered the new “female problem” in the workplace, male management does not have the tools to adequately discuss and remedy this female ailment.
Caregiver Stress Defined
An individual’s face may not readily give away clues that they are suffering from caregiver stress, but a quick look at their employee attendance record will reveal absenteeism due to their work as a caregiver for an aging loved one.
The fact that this individual has a higher utilization of the healthcare benefits and increased prescription plan participation for stress-related disorders may also warrant their classification as a caregiver.
Businesses and the overall economy are negatively impacted by caregivers who are emotionally drained by the burden of their role. The financial component of caregiver stress is far more reaching than that individual’s wallet. The trickle down effect of the disorder hurts all of our pockets as it robs employers of nearly $ 33.6 billion.
Stressed out caregivers are susceptible to a whole host of problems as their immune system becomes compromised under the weight and associated guilt of care giving. Migraine headaches and GI disorders are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the impact caregiver stress has on individuals.
Caregivers overwhelmed by stress are also highly susceptible to depression. Individuals need to learn to recognize when their caregiving duties are getting the best of them. Identifying community resources that offer services to caregivers and their loved ones can be just the prescription needed to bounce back.
Comments
Well written and informative article. I'm just curious about what community resources might be available? Thanks.
Resources could include your local Area Agency on Aging, Senior Center, or hospital system. In our area, Evergreen Commons (www.evergreencommons.org) offers caregiver assessments, trainings and support groups. The Caregiver Resource Network is a regional collaborative group based out of Grand Rapids for people serving caregivers (www.caregiverresource.net). You will find articles and other information on their website for caregivers.
That's correct every state and most counties through out the country have an office on aging. However many people "don't know what they don't know" and that's why Aging with Grace has been so successful in helping families across the US & Canada.
As a national eldercare resource company we work with families in all 50 states & Canada to provide information, solutions and resources to address the growing problem of elder caregiver stress.
Aging with Grace is the exclusive provider of services for the federal government employees (AFGE) as well as 12million members of the AFLCIO.
For more information about Aging with Grace please visit www.agingwithgrace.net or call 215.672.8090.
As a member of Aging with Grace, I was able to speak with one of their specialists who helped me learn about the different resources that would help me and my mom's specific situation. There are so many web sites out there for caregivers, but not knowing what I actually needed information about made it difficult. Before researching the resources, I think it is important to identify what the needs are.
In 1996 I opened Resolute Health Care Advisors to help all people with the administrative burden placed upon caregivers. The emotional toll created by bills, appointments, and insurance statements can be toxic. There are many advocates like Resolute to help.
If interested www.resolutehca.com
Very interesting article! My mom had to deal with this with her parents over 30 years ago but was blessed to have my dad who was really good about helping. Since he was semi-retired due to a work-related injury, he was home more than most and was able to help her more than most husbands with full-time jobs. She worked full-time but for a department store so had some flexibility in her hours. Even with all that, I remember it was still so stressful for her.
I think one positive difference between then and now is that we are better at discussing these situations with others, seeking out good resources, and, of course, we have the internet to help too.
Even with all that though, as you point out, many women still don't avail themselves as much as they should, probably because with all the pressures of also caring for kids/grandkids along with caregiving, work, etc. they don't have the time to find out what's there. That's where great sites like yours are especially useful! :)
It's not only elderly parents, it can also come from a terminally ill spouse, partner or child. These are the areas people overlook and those who need support the most.
Great article - yet in my experience many caregivers do not recognize that their stress is having a significant impact on their health and don't seek help until serious damage has already been done. If you know a family caregiver - share this and other articles like it to help them become aware that addressing it early is critical to their health....and to their ability to be able to continue to provide care. I'd like to share another resource for family caregivers: www.toghers.com During November we are offering free live online chat with a Caregiver Coach in honor of National Family Caregivers month. Caregivers can address issues around the care they provide, work through upcoming decisions and get advice on their own self care. Visit www.toghers.com
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