The majority of Californians living with Alzheimer’s disease live at home in their communities, being cared for by family and friends. Their illness has an immense impact on their families. One of these impacts is that caregiving causes employees to miss work with resultant losses in economic productivity. Among employed caregivers, 71% work full-time and 29% are part-time employees.

• California’s employers experience an estimated $1.4 billion in lost productivity annually from full-time employed caregivers alone.

In the coming years, as the baby boomers age and life expectancy increases, more workers will be taking on the responsibility of caregiving for loved ones. The costs to California businesses will continue to rise if proactive measures are not taken, such as making eldercare resources available. These resources may include flextime; telecommuting and job-sharing; programs that provide respite care; adult day services and caregiver support groups; information, referral and educational programs; and employee and/or employer funded long-term care insurance.

figure source: The 2009 "Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures in California: Current Status and Future Projections"