The population aged 85 and older in the United States is growing quickly. Living longer, thanks to modern health care and higher living standards, does not always mean a longer independent life; many older adults will need help with health or personal care at some point.
Most research shows a large share of caregivers are working adults. In a recent national survey, about 35% of respondents said they had provided care for an older relative in the prior year. The Family Caregiver Alliance estimates roughly one-third of U.S. households include someone caring for a loved one, and between one-third and one-half of those caregivers are employed.
Being a caregiver is a multifaceted role. Beyond emotional strain from a loved one’s decline, caregivers often manage finances and legal matters and must find appropriate long-term care or elderday services. It is common for caregivers to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and stressed.
When caregiving overlaps with paid work, employers can also feel the impact. A MetLife study found this dual role reduces productivity for employers and can result in significant aggregate costs. These losses come from both time spent handling care-related tasks during the workday and from long-term effects such as turnover.
The impact takes many forms: personal calls about medical appointments, unplanned absences, use of vacation or personal leave, emergencies that interrupt work, and reduced concentration or safety on the job. Some employees ultimately resign to provide full-time care; the Family Caregiver Alliance estimates about 12% of employed caregivers quit to become full-time caregivers.
Because caregiving needs often arise quickly, both employers and employees can have little time to plan. As the population ages, these situations are likely to become more frequent, so employers should focus on how to balance business needs with employee support.
Employers considering programs to help caregivers should also understand the insurance and planning options that affect long-term care decisions; a useful resource is Understanding Long-Term Care Insurance.
Workplace support employees value
- Location flexibility (for example, telecommuting)
- Flexible hours
- Assistance finding services (referral services, resource networks, support groups, elder‑care professionals)
- Dependent care accounts
- Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
Whatever support is offered will be ineffective unless employees know about it and feel safe using it. Awareness can be low—one MetLife survey found only about one-third of employees knew what eldercare services their employer offered. Awareness gaps often occur because employees were not caregivers when programs were introduced.
Employees who do know about services may still avoid using them for fear of being labeled or penalized. Employers should protect privacy and communicate programs clearly. For broader guidance on workplace programs and older adults, see Understanding the Elderly Population and Workplace Support.
Employers that help employees plan for the future can reduce sudden disruptions. For information that connects retirement planning with long-term care considerations, see The Importance of Retirement Planning and Long-Term Care.
Clear communication, flexible policies, and privacy protections make it more likely employees will use available resources. If you need help implementing options or reviewing choices, you can talk to an agent about available solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is caregiving among working adults?
A significant share of working adults provide care for older relatives; surveys suggest roughly one-third of households include a caregiver and many of those caregivers are employed.
What workplace supports help caregiver-employees the most?
Employees most value flexible work arrangements, help finding care services, dependent care accounts, and access to employee assistance programs.
Can employers reduce turnover related to caregiving?
Yes. Offering flexible schedules, referral resources, and privacy protections can lower the chance that caregivers resign to meet care needs.
Where can I learn more about planning for long-term care costs?
Resources on long-term care insurance and retirement planning can help clarify options and trade-offs for financing care and protecting family finances.