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New Workplace Support for Caregivers
19 Feb
Summary
- Paid caregiving leave is a growing benefit as the US population ages.
- Millions of Americans balance caregiving with paid employment.
- Technology and flexible schedules aid in caregiver support.
As the U.S. population ages, paid time off for caregiving is emerging as a crucial workplace benefit. Many employees, like Debra Whitman, have found support through employer-provided caregiving leave, allowing them to attend to elderly family members without exhausting vacation time. This benefit is particularly valuable as over 63 million Americans provide care for adults while maintaining paid employment.
Caregiving responsibilities often span years, presenting a significant life change for employees who must balance these duties with their jobs. While the Family and Medical Leave Act offers up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, its limitations, including lack of pay, affect many. Consequently, over a dozen states now mandate some form of paid leave, offering partial pay and varying benefit details.
Beyond paid leave, employers are offering flexible scheduling, remote work, and access to resources like counseling and caregiver support groups. Some companies provide 'care concierges' to help navigate healthcare systems and find necessary services. For those where time off is not feasible, technology offers solutions, with devices like cameras and motion detectors enabling remote monitoring of loved ones.
