A comparison of employed caregivers of cognitively impaired and physically impaired elderly persons

An employee survey found that 32% of caregiving respondents were providing assistance to cognitively impaired older persons. These employees were more likely than those caring for physically impaired elders to report high levels of emotional, physical, and financial strain, and they more often reported that caregiving had a negative effect on their personal lives and on their work. Programs considered particularly helpful by caregivers of cognitively impaired elders included information about community resources, personal counseling, and support groups. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for program development and for further research regarding the interface between working and caregiving.