Women make up two-thirds of all family caregivers. A recent survey found that 50% of those female caregivers feel they need to choose between caregiving, working, and parenting. This challenge is felt throughout the caregiving community. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, the average caregiver is a 49 year old married, employed woman, caring for her 60 year old mother who does not live with her. A new program, Daughters in the Workplace, was recently implemented to help start the conversation about how working family caregivers can be better supported in the workplace.
What is Daughters in the Workplace?
Daughter’s in the Workplace is a new public education program created by the Home Instead Senior Care company. Daughters in the Workplace offers free resources to family caregivers that are intended to empower the caregiver with strategies. These resources also provide important information to aid her in discuss her needs with her employer, as well as identify caregiving support in the area. Additionally, this program will provide employers with helpful information on what their employee may need or be going through.
How to Access Daughters in the Workplace
To access the many tools available click here. On the website you can scroll through the many articles and videos available. Topics include:
- When Work Works for You: Identifying What Support You Need as a Working Family Caregiver
- 10 Ways Family Caregivers Can Feel Empowered at Work
- Conversation Starters: How to Talk to Your Employer About Your Caregiver Support Needs
In addition, there is a short quiz to help you answer, “Can you take time off work to care for Mom?” The questions are meant to help you better understand the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) which we discussed in some detail in a previous blog, Caregiving Resources Offered Through the Workplace.
Overall, if you provide care for an aging parent and find it difficult to balance it all, the Daughter’s in the Workplace free service may be a helpful resource. Check it out and see for yourself.
