Women face significant caregiving burdens due to societal expectations.
- The Carer’s Leave Act offers unpaid leave for caregivers starting in April 2024.
- This Act benefits those caring for dependants with long-term needs.
- Women often juggle caregiving with jobs, risking career setbacks.
- A societal reluctance to discuss elderly care increases pressures on women.
Women are disproportionately affected by caregiving responsibilities, influenced by prevalent societal norms. Data indicates that two-thirds of individuals believe women should assume the role of caring for elderly relatives, resulting in a so-called “motherhood” and “daughterhood” penalty.
In a move to address these challenges, the government will implement the Carer’s Leave Act from 6 April 2024. This legislation grants employees a right to unpaid leave to provide or arrange care for dependants with long-term care needs. This includes individuals with physical or mental health conditions, disabilities as defined by the Equality Act 2010, or age-related care requirements.
The Carer’s Leave Act offers one week of unpaid leave annually, adaptable as a continuous week or in smaller increments. This provision recognises the need for flexible caregiving arrangements, particularly benefitting women who are often expected to manage these responsibilities alongside their careers.
Further insights reveal that one in two adults feel obligated to care for their ageing parents without alternatives, underscoring a pressing need for more comprehensive solutions. Many women, part of the ‘sandwich generation’, find themselves balancing these duties with professional and familial commitments.
Despite these legislative advancements, Lauren Frake, an expert in elderly care from TakingCare Personal Alarms, emphasizes that more must be done to acknowledge the severity of caregiving challenges. Frake highlights that only 40% of families have discussed future care plans with their elderly relatives. This hesitation exacerbates the emotional and financial pressures women face, introducing the notion of a growing ‘daughterhood penalty’.
Frake remarks, “Many women are forced to take more time off work to care for their elderly loved ones”, pointing out the financial and emotional toll this can impose without adequate preparation. Her call to action is for more openness and planning within families to ease the transition as older generations become more reliant on care.
The Carer’s Leave Act marks a significant step towards addressing care responsibilities, yet societal change is needed for a profound impact.
