More than 700,000 Connecticut residents annually contribute about $5.8 billion caring for elders or disabled relatives along with an uncalculated emotional cost, according to a new report from the nation’s largest retiree lobby.
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) released findings in its report “Valuing the Invaluable: 2011 Update – The Growing Contributions and Costs of Family Caregiving.”
According to the report, income and benefits lost due to time taken to care for relatives in need are approximately $283,716 for Connecticut men and $324,044 for women. There is also the significant toll to mental health and wellbeing; caregivers are more liable to suffer from stress-related illnesses such as depression.
AARP says its Connecticut findings may be conservative because they do not include caregivers under the age of 18 or those who give care in ways other than so-called “activities of daily living” (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, or administering medicine.
“This report is clear evidence of the need for more family-friendly work policies,” said Teresa C. Younger, executive director of Connecticut’s Permanent Commission on the Status of Women. “Nearly 65 percent of primary caregivers in most families are women, although more men are stepping up. Taking time off from work to care for a loved one has a direct impact on the erosion of a working woman’s Social Security benefits, as well as her long-term asset-building potential, job security and career mobility.”
Younger said the state’s recent adoption of the paid-sick leave law was a good step, but it does not allow for time off to care for one’s parents
She the U.S. also must enhance the Family Medical Leave Act, of which Connecticut was a pioneer.
