A recent study by AARP indicated there are 53 million adult caregivers in the US (Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 Executive Summary - AARP Research Report). These staggering statistics reinforce the need for workforce programs that support employees throughout all phases of life. The NIH is proud to support the NIH Aging and Adult Dependent Care Committee (AADCC) which exists to research, promote and recommend effective actions to meet the aging and adult dependent care needs of the diverse NIH workforce.
In October 2023, the AADCC participated in the NIH Work and Family Month Resource Fair and surveyed participants on their awareness and use of resources available to all NIH employees. Good News! We saw an increase in awareness of the AADCC, webinars, remote working, mental wellness and retirement services. Bad News: No one surveyed knew about the Elder Coaching service available, despite many respondents indicating they are currently caring for an adult relative.
The NIH has a variety of free services to support you throughout all phases of your caregiving journey from childcare to adult and elder care. Simply call 1-800-777-1720 to obtain community resources throughout the US and get connected to an elder care coach.
CNN captured the emotional and financial costs of caregiving in a moving 2023 article highlighting a middle-aged daughter's personal experience of caregiving for her elderly mother with dementia. This article called attention to the lack of resources for caregivers that is growing with the aging of our society.
There are a variety of additional NIH resources, including personalized consultation, short-term supportive counseling, referral and follow-up services to enhance personal and professional well-being, when you contact the free Employee Assistance Program, at 301-496-3164. For temporary backup care, please contact Bright Horizons at 877-242-2737. Please note one needs to register for backup care before being able to use the Bright Horizons service. The NIH has an interactive Adult Care Support ListServ that you can join to share caregiving tips. Adult_Care_Support_listserv_Flyer_2016_508_Compliant.jpg (1700×2200) (nih.gov)
Please help us spread the word about the many free resources available to NIH staff!
