Eldercare: Greying in the Workplace and at Home

Aging belongs to us all. As a society we are growing older and life expectancy in Canada is increasing. Elder care is replacing childcare as a paramount concern for workplaces. Today, 46% of employees have some level of eldercare responsibilities affecting their job. They are often at the height of their careers and have to juggle conflicting work and family demands.

All of this is occurring with a healthcare system that has unloaded many responsibilities onto the public. Almost 40% of all informal primary caregivers are employed. One 1999 Canadian report noted that many caregivers typically end up spending an average of 40 hours a week looking after their loved ones. The end result is often stressed out employees with lower productivity, increased absenteeism, lower retention and almost 3 times the prevalence rate for depression.

You Will Learn:

Critical information about future trends in the aging population
What happens to us as we age physically and psychologically
The value of planning with your own parents for their old age
Being proactive with respect to your own aging
Impact of aging on older workers
Special needs of workers providing eldercare
Identifying and responding to caregiver stress
When and how to access eldercare resources

Content:

Aging and Society

Brief overview of Canada's aging population
CPP and financial security
Ageism and myths about Seniors

Aging and the Workplace

Trend of older workers re-entering the workforce
Important contribution that older workers make
Retaining and supporting older workers

Aging and You

What 'Role Overload' is and why it is so stressful for employed Caregivers
Physical and Psychological impact of aging
How to talk to your loved one about 'next steps' in accepting assistance, making a 'living will' and 'powers of attorney'
Taking care of ourselves as caregivers and employees – 'Stress Busters' tips
Resources available to seniors in the community and how to access them?

Who Should Attend:

Persons with aging parents
Anybody who plans to grow old
Human resource specialists
Union stewards and officials