New Laws Emerging Regarding Caregivers!

As always we are on the lookout for emerging laws. Now we are getting ready to be faced with the unlawful treatment of workers who are responsible for caregiving. Most mangers will equate this with childcare. Not so, and with the Baby Boomers exploding onto the senior citizen scene we have to understand that there will be a “sandwhich generation” (those between the ages of 30 and 60) who will be responsible for childcare and eldercare.

There are also caregivers who are responsible for individuals with disabilities which can include adult children, spouses, or parents. President Bush has also signed into law that under the FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) an individual can now take off as a caregiver to a returning wounded veteran for up to 26 weeks.

In all of the above we normally look to females to be the caregiver and as a direct result decisons regarding hiring, promotions, and terminations are made which can open the door to litigation. Remember, men can also be caregivers!

When confronted with the above circumstances be sure to call. This area will be evolving very quickly.