Work Issues
Making matters worse, caring for aging parents often impacts adult children at their workplace as well. The survey found:
- 43% have had to take time off work due to caregiving responsibilities.
- 48% say they are earning less money at work as a result of caregiving.
- 25% have been fired or had to quit their job as a result of caregiving.
One survey respondent says, “I am unable to earn the income needed to continue caring for both my parents and my own family. I've not only given up my job, but my dreams, for now. It is very lonely and financially difficult. But I have to do what is right.”
Physical and Emotional Toll
Despite potentially making less money and doling out more, more than half of the caregivers surveyed are spending what equates to a full-time work week – 40 hours or more – on caregiving duties– many in addition to their full-time careers outside the home.
- 53% of caregivers provide care 40 or more hours per week.
- 37% provide care more than 80 hours per week.
- 21% say they never get a break from caregiving.
- 36% get a break of 5 hours or less a week.
The survey indicates that today’s caregivers face a triple financial threat: unplanned-for caregiving expenses, less money for their own needs and reduced time in the workplace.