Caregiving Full-Time and Working Full-Time
Managing Dual Roles and Responsibilities
by
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According to the Alzheimer’s Association (2012), 44% of caregivers are employed on a full or part time basis and many of the caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia reported the need to make major changes to their employment habits and work schedules directly because of their caregiver responsibilities. The literature that exists provided information regarding the career decision of some caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients and performance issues regarding the caregiver on the job. With respect to work challenges, the Alzheimer’s Association (2012) reported that 65% of employed familial Alzheimer’s caregivers said they had to go into work late, leave work early, or take time off, while 20% were forced into a leave of absence. Other changes included 13% of workers cutting back from full-time to parttime work, 11% switching to a less demanding job, 11% quitting altogether, 10% turning down promotions, while 9% lost benefits, 8% retired, and 9% suffered work related problems to the point of dismissal.
Shoemaker, Brown, and Barbour (2011) noted that both men and women caregivers of the elderly “face unprecedented challenges in the worldwide workforce” (p. 1). However, research studies shows more women are becoming breadwinners and work full-time while trying to maintain full-time care-giving duties, putting them at risk for higher levels of personal issues and work complications (Kemp & Rosenthal, 2001). The complications of health related issues, mentioned as a facet of home implications, may manifest in the caregivers while trying to perform full-time work duties at their places of employments. If a caregiver does not have the available time to take off from work, the challenge of balancing work and full-time care may create challenges for the caregiver as well as for the employer.
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About the Book
How will Alzheimer’s disease affect your career?
Alzheimer’s-related caregiving duties present expected and unexpected costs for full-time employed caregivers, employers, and society. Research indicates that caregivers provide more than forty hours per week, caring for a relative with Alzheimer’s disease. The dual responsibilities and pressures of caregiving while remaining active in the general workforce may cause stress and loss of productivity at work. As the Alzheimer’s disease progresses in the patient, a caregiver is less likely to engage in more challenging workplace activities or accept additional roles of responsibility, promotions, or relocation opportunities. Just as the employed caregiver takes on a dual role when providing care for the Alzheimer’s patient, Alzheimer’s disease plays a dual role in depleting the life of both the patient and the caregiver. This book explores some of the challenges related to the dual roles of a working caregiver and the demands faced caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.
About the Author
Dr. Washington has worked in various major corporations. He has held a series of leadership roles in Fortune 100 companies. He is a catalyst, devoted to reeducating adults and improving their quality of life. Dr. Washington holds a doctorate of management from the University of Phoenix.