Business smarts HEALTH & WELLBEING
CASE STUDY: caring for a parent with dementia
Did you know that 1 in 8 employees are carers for friends or family members? As an employer, you can make it easier for them to stay in work by becoming a Carewise carer-friendly workplace.
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t’s quite likely that someone in your workplace is a carer for a friend or family member who is unwell, frail or has a chronic condition or disability. It can be tough for them, juggling their commitments to work and to the person they support. By becoming a Carewise Workplace, you can access free employer tools to help you retain a valuable staff member, who may be feeling they have to leave their job or reduce their hours to cope with their additional responsibilities. CareWise is part of Carers NZ, a national not-for-profit organisation. When you commit to being a carer-friendly employer, you receive a welcome pack and are guided through the CareWise Self-Review, giving you recommendations to follow based on five key aspects. Along with employer resources, CareWise also provides support for the employee who is the carer.
When you commit to being a CareWise workplace, you receive a CareWise badge to display in your workplace, along with employer tools and support for staff who are caring for someone.
Andy says it’s hard to put into words what it’s been like caring for his elderly mother for the last seven years. She has dementia but remains fiercely independent, refusing outside help. Andy is her sole carer. “What it comes down to is all I’m doing is giving back. Mum cared for me since I was a baby, so it’s the least I can do. I’m just someone who’s trying to do the best they can.” Andy juggles his caring role with his technician’s job in South Auckland. He has worked for the company for more than 30 years. Andy says his team is fantastic, and a great example of how workplaces can support carers like him, so they can keep working and earning. “I’m lucky to have flexibility of hours. My workmates ask about my situation and whether there’s anything they can do. I’ve been granted the yearly 10 days of domestic leave, which is usually allocated for parents with kids, and it makes such a difference.” “If I ask for a couple of hours off to take Mum to a medical appointment or whatever, it’s granted immediately. I do a really good job as well so I do believe it’s a two-way street.” Andy works full-time, sticking to normal business hours where possible. In the evenings he prepares a meal which he shares with his Mum, who lives in her own home nearby. “Before I leave I’ll check everything is secure then go home to do my own chores, waking up at 5.30am for work.” It can be a lonely life with little time for personal activities. “One thing I am very grateful for is a solid group of friends who keep an eye on me and support wherever they can.” Despite the challenges, Andy is glad to be there for his Mum. “I see it as a gift.”
Find out more at www.carewise.org.nz
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