Report: 67% of caregivers have difficulty balancing work and life duties

‘NO TIME FOR YOURSELF’ Kimberly Moser, 55, is not at all reluctant to discuss her caregiving and work challenges. She’s a research lab manager at the University of Oklahoma who, besides

logging 40 to 60 hours per week at her job, is a family caregiver. She basically tag-teams with her husband to care for her 83-year-old mother-in-law, Charlene Moser, who has been living

with them, in declining health, since 2011. Kimberly Moser and her mother-in-law, Charlene Moser. Courtesy of Kimberly Moser Moser mostly works during the day and her husband, Gregory, 56,

who is a night custodial supervisor at the university, works during the evening. When one is at work, the other is at home tending to Charlene, who suffers from a heart condition, diabetes

and some memory issues. “There really is no time for yourself,” says Moser. “So much of our time is making sure that Charlene is OK. We are there 24/7.” For Moser, going to work almost feels

like an escape from the constant chores of caregiving for her mother-in-law. But sometimes life happens — like when Gregory broke his foot at work and had to stay off his feet for a while.

“Everything still had to happen,” says Moser. “She had to eat. She had to go to the doctor. So I made arrangements with my supervisor and was home a lot more. We have flexible schedules and

I have keys to the building, so I came in at weird hours.” Moser wishes there were more options for her mother-in-law. “It would be nice if there were more programs that would allow us to

have a safe, secure location to take loved ones [during the day] so they could associate with others their own age.” Yes, Moser has had to sacrifice, for sure. Six years ago, she was offered

a job editing a publication in Washington state, but she had to turn it down because of her caregiving duties. Moser and her husband also spent $25,000 redoing the bathroom so that her

mother-in-law could take showers independently. Moser is writing a book about being a working caregiver called _Paper People_. She chose that title, she says, because on paper many older

folks don’t matter. She notes that plenty of older adults, like her mom, have too much money to qualify for help but too little to pay for help. “We have to do better for our elderly.” ​In

the meantime, she’s working with a virtual therapist who keeps telling her about the critical importance of her own emotional well-being. “Acknowledge the fact that you are human,” her

therapist often reminds her. She’s trying. She’s really trying. But as a working caregiver with no “off” button, she knows that she needs to try harder. WAYS TO HELP WORKERS The AARP/S&P

Global report identified several ways companies can further support caregivers in their workforce. Among them: ALLOW FOR HYBRID/REMOTE WORK: Support flexible schedules and flexible work

locations. TRAIN AND COACH: Provide employer-supported access to support groups, career coaching and financial advising resources. EXPAND LEAVE POLICIES: Offer paid leave specifically for

caregivers and/or flexible leave that can be used to help with caregiving duties.