Men are Caregivers Too!
August 15th, 2006 by RespiteMatch.comAlthough women often become caregivers for elderly relatives and friends, a study shows that one out of every three informal caregivers are men. Among working people, the ratio may be even higher.
Like women, men have to balance their professional and home lives with their caregiving responsibilities. Findings from a study by the National Alliance for Caregiving and the Center for Productive Aging at Towson University show that caregiving by working men presents unique challenges.
Most male caregivers responding to the survey said they provided the same everyday services as women, but were more likely to question their own competence. They were also less likely to discuss their caregiving issues on the job with supervisors and co-workers, increasing the emotional toll.
More men said that they had to avoid work-related travel because it interfered with their caregiving and more of them provided long-distance care. More men managed their loved one’s finances.
Women showed more involvement in personal care and reported more adverse effects on their own health, perhaps from performing those duties. They also declined overtime at work more frequently.
Many shared issues and concerns were revealed. Both men and women modified their work schedules, rearranged their personal lives and gave financial support. About one-quarter had considered a job change because of caregiving responsibilities. Two-thirds of them were unaware of corporate eldercare benefits available to them.
About 15 percent of the workforce cares for an elderly relative or friend, according to an estimate quoted in the study. As the number of elderly people rises, more workers will become involved in caregiving. Caregiving for the elderly may soon rival childcare in worktime lost, monetary commitment and emotional costs.
