Caregiver Syndrome

Course Description:

The main objective of this particular session is to help you understand the impact of caring for a sick family member and how that impact may affect your employees. By the end of the session, you will be able to understand that the burden of caring for a sick family member may, in fact, fall on one of your employees, understand the impact that caring for a sick family member may have on the caretaker, understand how work may be affected if an employee needs to care for a sick family member, know what the law says about time off and accommodations for caretakers, and learn how you can help an employee who is also a caretaker.

Why “Caregiver Syndrome” Matters:

• Caregiver syndrome is becoming increasingly widespread in the workplace.
• About 61% of caregivers aged 50 and older are currently employed.
• U.S. businesses can lose over $33 billion per year in lost productivity.
• Employers pay out about 8% more for the health care of caregivers versus noncaregivers.

Key Points:

• Caregiver syndrome is becoming more widespread.
• Caregiver syndrome may produce physical and mental symptoms among sufferers.
• Caregiver syndrome can decrease workplace productivity.
• Caregiver syndrome may be covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• There are things you can do to help your employees who are also caregivers.