Hidden Truths

12 Things Most People Haven't Heard About Caregiving in America

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There are 32.2 million employed caregivers in America who are providing unpaid care to someone disabled, ill, injured, or aging, while also working.

 
Nearly 50% of caregivers report no choice in taking on the responsibility.

Employed caregiving rates have greatly increased.

• Medical cost cutting

• Women in the workforce

• Decreased social supports

• Aging baby boomer generation

• Psychiatric hospitals deinstitutionalization 

Caregivers face a unique burden.

• Time Loss

• Identity Loss

• Financial Loss

• Relationship Loss

• Physical and Mental Health Loss ​

 
Instead of offering inclusivity, the workplace
often increases the caregiver burden.

The “ideal worker” standard in the workplace is in-person, traditional hours, and without interruption.

This industrial revolution construct was last relevant in the 1950’s, yet people are still measured by this outdated standard today.

Employed caregivers routinely face discrimination, stigma, and marginalization.

• Flexibility Bias

• Prescriptive Bias

• Descriptive Bias

• Leniency Bias

• Stigma-by-Association

• Professional Gaslighting​

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Discrimination against employed caregivers re-enforces difficulties for marginalized and disadvantaged groups.

• Women

• People of color

• Military families

• Single parent homes

• Those aging or disabled in rural settings

• Those facing financial insecurity

Employed caregivers have limited protections.

• Little awareness

• Limited legal protections

• Limited connection to disability supports

• Little inclusion in workplace supports

• Limited training for supervisors

Time for change is now.

• Technology has revolutionized the workplace

• The workplace better understands the financial benefits of inclusivity

• The pandemic proved the possibilities of remote and flexible work schedules

Proven benefits for this inclusivity are widespread, improving:

• Outcomes for care recipients

• Employed caregiver health

• Employed caregivers' workplace success

• Morale and retention for all employees

• Employer profits

• National economic security

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Employed caregivers should be celebrated not marginalized. Caregivers experience a growth in soft skills, with higher levels of:

• Personal strength

• Empathy & values

• Psychological maturity & stress tolerance

• Time management capabilities

• Communication abilities

• Leadership skills