Caregiving Costs U.S. Business $29 Billion in Lost Productivity

Aug 15
22:30

2005

Thomas R. Cutler

Thomas R. Cutler

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U.S. businesses spend $29 billion in lost productivity on caregiving costs.

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U.S. businesses lose up to $29 billion per year in lost productivity from employees who provide care to an elder. One in four households,Caregiving Costs U.S. Business $29 Billion in Lost Productivity Articles approximately 22 million U.S. families, are currently providing care to elder loved ones. South Florida companies are starting to recognize that employees providing care ultimately affects workforce productivity. According to Olga Brunner, President of A Good Daughter (www.agooddaughter.com), who cared for her mother with Alzheimer’s disease, “While caring for elders can be a rewarding experience, it can also be stressful. Caregivers need to juggle these responsibilities with family, work and personal life. A great deal of time can be spent tracking down resources, responding to an elder's changing needs, setting up and managing multiple services, or checking on the care an older relative is receiving.” Professional elder care management services provide a wide range of services to help employees handle their caregiving concerns and allowing them to keep a balance in their lives.In-person assessment is appropriate when an employee is concerned about an elderly family member’s current situation. Brunner suggested, “We can arrange for an in-person assessment of an older relative's condition. Based on the findings, expert care manager recommend services, assistive products, or residence alterations that may be necessary or helpful.” Scheduled check-in services allow caregiver to set up scheduled check-ins by a professional care manager providing a monitor for an elderly relative's situation and care. Other services that can assist caregivers include, professional assistance/care coordination, Onsite facility reviews, In-person help, and respite care. Providing employees with elder care management services assists in easing the burden of balancing work and family obligations while keeping them productive.A Good Daughterwww.agooddaughter.comOlga Brunner800-963-3877