The Effect on the Workplace

In a recent publication, The Family Caregiver Alliance estimated that one out of four households in the United States has some involvement in caring for a family member 50 years or older. Between one third and one half of these caregivers also work outside of the home. In the workplace, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) allows eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to be used all at once or intermittently for serious illnesses to themselves or a family member, including an elderly parent. These demographic and government changes are creating an increasing amount of problems for employers who are having to juggle their staffing schedules when the caregiver needs to tend to more important issues at home than at work.

But many work places are realizing that this is a sign of the times as the demographics of our nation changes and we become an "older" population. Companies are becoming more flexible with their work structures and some have even offered elder care assistance. It is in the employer's best interest to show some efforts to help the caregiver and let them know that they are still valued by the organization. It is the hope of these companies that these offered benefits result in employee loyalty, productivity and retention of their workers.

One never knows when they will called on to care for a loved one. Caregiving is going to be a part of all of our lives at one point in time. Whether to boss or assistant, compassion to all employees will only help the reputation of the business and make it a better environment for productivity and teamwork.

Love is in the Air

Today is Valentine's Day and love is in the air for couples of all ages. A quick glance at some senior news media outlets shows that today's amourous activities are not just celebrated by those who are young at heart. Here's a sampling

• A senior citizen's Valentine's Day dance in Omaha held this past Tuesday
• A senior citizen's dance that drew more than 150 seniors to the University of North Carolina-Wilmington
• A high school in Arizona has re-created a senior prom for senior citizens in their area to attend
• A Best Chocolate Dessert contest was held at a senior center in Texas
• A Valentine's Day cookie decorating party involving seniors and young children in Iowa

I could go on and on with this list of activities that are happening all over the world. This is proof that aging does nothing to inhibit the feeling of being loved. Studies show that most people the ages of 57 to 85 feel that a relationship and sexuality are an important part of life.

If you are a caregiver, take a little extra time today to tell your parent or loved one how much they mean to you. Also, take some time for the one that you should care for and love the most..yourself. Happy Valentine's Day!

One Step Away

When creating the Fenway Medical web site, I was aiming for a specific target audience of baby boomers who are now taking care of their elderly parents at home. During the process though, I have learned first hand that caregivers are not only tending to the needs of an older loved one.
My best friend in life has recently been overcome by frequent panic attacks and mild depression. Always a traveller and someone who has a zest for life, the past few months have taken their toll. I have been thrust into the caregiver role. Due to uncertainty about public places, I now am in charge of tasks such as shopping and picking up carry out. Frequent tiredness has required that I take on additional responsibilities around the house and in our friend circles.
I have learned several things during this experience. The first is to respect what your loved one brings to a relationship and the little things that they offer every day. Second, you need to take care of yourself. My site has published frequent advice on the health of the actual caregiver and how you need to also look after yourself. Maybe I didn't fully buy into this when just writing the words but now I understand. You may not feel that you have enough time in the day but as a caregiver you need to remember to care for you. And, if you are not currently a caregiver, keep in mind to look after yourself if you are given these responsibilities as we are all just one step away from being the rock that they look to for guidance.