More than 44 million Americans are providing unpaid caregiving for an adult family member and 61 percent of those caregivers are working either full or part time. About 13 percent of American households are caring for both children and aging parents – the so-called "sandwich generation."    

To help Charleston area businesses better navigate this growing category of employees, the Greater Charleston Chapter of the National Aging in Place Council is offering a new educational program called “The Sandwich Generation: Caregiving in the Workplace.” The program is offered free to tri-county businesses and organizations.

The Greater Charleston Chapter of the National Aging in Place Council is a nonprofit organization with about 75 individual members representing a variety of Charleston businesses and organizations largely aimed at serving caregivers and older adults. Chapter members lead the educational programs, providing information and local resources during lunch-n-learn events, workshops or coffee gatherings. Business owners, organization executives and HR managers can contact the chapter to schedule a free, non-commercial presentation.

Considering the number of baby boomers in America, businesses will continue to feel the impact of employees who are juggling multiple roles as workers, parents and caregivers to aging loved ones. Businesses face issues of absenteeism, poor work performance and even “presenteeism” when employees are physically at work but mentally distracted by issues at home.

“We know businesses are struggling with how to help their employees who are also caregivers,” said Barbara Franklin, chairman of the chapter’s Business Task Force. “And we know employees are struggling with meeting all the demands of work and family. Our goal is simply to provide information and local resources that can make the often overwhelming task of caregiving a little easier. This is a wonderful way to for local businesses to recognize this important issue and help their employees, which in turn, directly benefits their business.”

To schedule a presentation of “The Sandwich Generation: Caregiving in the Workplace,” e-mail GreaterCharleston@ageinplace.org

About the Greater Charleston Chapter of the National Aging in Place Council

Founded in 2003 as the SC Aging in Place Coalition, the Greater Charleston Chapter of the National Aging in Place Council is a nonprofit organization comprised of businesses and organizations that support people as they prepare to remain in their chosen residence – independently, comfortably and safely. To learn more visit www.ageinplace.org/Charleston.