Alzheimer’s Impact On The Workforce

A new poll reveals that 15% of American workers are current or former caregivers for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, a number that can have wide-reaching effects on workforce retention and productivity.

The new poll, commissioned by Workplace Options in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association, showed that only 47% of these caregivers were able to maintain their employment while providing care for the Alzheimer’s or dementia patient. This figure, among other findings, led Workplace Options CEO Dean Debnam to call the impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia on the American work force “simply astounding… a big red flag for business owners.”

“Caring for a loved one with dementia is an incredible responsibility, and that responsibility obviously has serious consequences on an individual’s ability to maintain employment and perform as a professional,” Debman said.

One in eight Americans age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s disease, while millions more have another form of dementia. According to the 2012 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report from the Alzheimer’s Association, the prevalence of dementia is expanding rapidly as the U.S. population ages. By 2025, the number of people living with Alzheimer’s will rise to an estimated 6.7 million — a 30% increase from 2012.

This poll shows that, in general, care giving responsibilities significantly affect an individual’s ability to perform job responsibilities. Among those who work, or worked, while also providing care:

• 69% had to modify their schedules
  (arriving late, leaving early, taking time off during the day).
• 32% had to take a leave of absence.
• 26% changed jobs for a less-demanding role.
• 20% saw their work performance suffer to the point of possible dismissal.
• 69% said that caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia strained their family finances.
• 90% characterized their care-giving as emotionally stressful.

The national survey polled 530 Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers and was conducted by Public Policy Polling in December 2012.