Finding Balance for Working Caregivers and Aging Adults
- 1 in 5 people are caring for a loved one providing 24 hours of care per week, on average.
- 60% of caregivers were employed in 2020 while also providing care.
- 50% of working caregivers are reluctant to tell their supervisor about their caregiving responsibilities.
Being a working caregiver is a situation that will affect almost everyone at some point in life and employers are in a position to offer more meaningful supports and resources to help employees successfully navigate this time. Investing in the well-being of your staff is simply good for business and results in many positive returns for you as well. If you are interested in learning more about the challenges working caregivers face and want to understand how to support them better as an employer, contact Chersten Keillor with the SE MN Area Agency on Aging to learn more and schedule a presentation.
As we continue to deal with the uncertainty of COVID-19 and all it brings, one of my favorite quotes comes to mind, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” This is so true right about now! I love reading about the many stories of generosity and examples of grace that are being shown in a time where life is a bit upside down.
SEMAAA was the recipient of CARES ACT funds to be used in the areas of supportive services and caregiver supports. In this addition we feature some of the wonderful projects that are being funded to help to connect seniors and their caregivers to technology to help combat social isolation and mental health support services to ensure the safety and well-being for older adults in our region. A big thanks to the collaborators for these projects that have stepped up to increase capacity and service provision in this time of need.
Cares Act Funds originated with the Administration for Community Living, are sub-granted to the MN Board on Aging and are then allocated to the Area Agencies on Aging across the state, where we award them to local providers. These funds are to be used to address the needs of older adults and caregivers resulting form the COVID-19 pandemic.
The University of MN is looking for families and individuals dealing with memory loss to take part in a new study. This program is aimed at providing support to families and their loved ones to help them navigate the transition to driving retirement. Dr. Joe Gaughler and a research team have a goal of working with 20 families to start this pilot and refine it. Eventually they hope to open it up to more families across the state.
