Yes, it is highly likely to impact everyone’s career. The need for support and care surrounds everyone, starting with themselves. Sometimes it’s a short-term need, but often it extends for years. Consider:
•    As a parent, the CDC estimates 17% of children between aged 3 to 17 years have one or more developmental disabilities.
•    For you or spouse, the CDC also estimates 26% of adults have some type of disability. 
•    For your parents or grandparents, People turning 65 have a 70% chance of needing long-term care. The average duration for men is 2.2 years, for women it’s 3.7 years. One third won’t need care, but 20% need over 5 years.

Caregiving can take time from work. Employers understand and provide tools to help. However, sometimes it isn’t enough.  If you encounter problems at work, you should be aware of the federal statutes and regulations outlined in the EEOC Guidelines: Working Caregivers for employers. You may also want to look at the EEOC’s Best Practices: Working Caregivers to understand the expectations implied by the regulations.  

Caregiving for Family Years provides more tools and resources that can help you provide the best caregiving support you can. The Disability and Health Promotion section of the CDC’s website has useful information focused on meeting disabled people’s needs. 

 

If you do need help, and can’t afford it, a good place to start is the Disability Home page on the Social Security website. There’s also a starter kit for adults there.