EFFECTIVE FAMILY CAREGIVER PROGRAM

Research provided by the Family Caregiver Alliance highlights that the number of family caregivers has increased in the United States to 9.5 million from 2015 to 2020. This number is expected to continue to grow as our healthcare system prepares for an aging baby boomer population and reductions in the healthcare workforce.

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The increase in family caregivers will have a direct impact on the workforce. According to an article by Harvard Law, the Caregiving in the US 2020 report found that six in 10 caregivers reported working while caregiving, and 61% have experienced at least one work-related impact. What does this impact mean to the employer? The Family Caregiver Alliance says:

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• Caregiving reduces employee work productivity by 18.5% and increases the likelihood of employees leaving the workplace. [Coughlin, J. (2010). Estimating the Impact of Caregiving and Employment on Well-Being: Outcomes & Insights in Health Management.]

• Caregiver absenteeism costs the U.S. economy an estimated $25.2 billion in lost productivity (based on the average number of work days missed per working caregiver, assuming $200 in lost productivity per day). [Gallup-Healthways. (2011). Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Survey: Caregiving Costs U.S. Economy $25.2 Billion in Lost Productivity.]

• Only 56% of caregivers report that their work supervisor is aware of their caregiving responsibilities (76% for higher-hour caregivers, 49% for lower hour)—[National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]

 

To help families and businesses address these challenges, we have created the BHMBA Effective Family Caregiving Program. This program guides creating and completing healthcare directives, how to safeguard your home when taking care of an elderly loved one, how to access family caregiver financial aid programs, and more. Please get in touch with us to learn how this program can help you and your staff.