The typical

caretaker is female, age 46, employed, spending 18 hours a week helping

out her mother. Pressured to juggle the responsibilities of an elderly

parent and a career, she's on a path that could lead to absenteeism, lower

productivity even resignation.

Eldercare issues

have exacted a price on the workplace between $11 billion and $29 billion

per year, according to MetLife. That includes the cost of absenteeism,

tardiness, workday interruptions and replacement of employees who quit

due to caregiving responsibilities.

"Eldercare

is to this new century what childcare was to the '80s and '90s a 'hot

button' issue that can go a long way in retaining employees and keeping

productivity high," said Denise Spiewak, senior director at Kelly

Assisted Living Services.

Recently, eldercare

has caught the attention of employee assistance programs (EAPs).

"Companies

offering EAP-supported eldercare can realize significant cost savings,"

adds Spiewak, whose company provides screened, bonded caregivers to help

elderly clients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and meals,

plus the tasks cited as most common for family caregivers: transportation,

grocery shopping and light housekeeping.

But what professional

caregivers mostly deliver, says Spiewak, is relief "relief for elderly

clients who stay independent with the help of our caregivers, respite

for their adult children who can concentrate on work during work hours

and peace of mind for employers."

For information

on eldercare programs and Kelly Assisted Living Services, visit the Web

site at www.kellyservices.com .

Eldercare workers

not only help seniors live more independently, but also reduce the burden

of "the sandwich generation"their adult children.

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