More must be done to support caregivers

Allowing sick-day use keeps New Mexicans in workforce

For the past several years, AARP has made finding ways to lighten the responsibilities of our family caregivers a top priority. Here in New Mexico, we worked with the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department in establishing the New Mexico State Plan for Family Caregivers and in 2015 got the CARE Act passed, which allows a family caregiver to be formally included in the process when their loved one is admitted into the hospital.

We saw this year’s Caregiver Leave Act, House Bill 86, as a continuation of this work and are deeply disappointed in Gov. Susana Martinez’s decision to veto this legislation. The act would have allowed employees who already earn sick leave to use that leave for caregiving duties. It would not add to an employee’s leave, just allow them to use it beyond themselves.

Spearheading this effort, however, did accomplish an important thing — raising the conversation about the challenges our working family caregivers face. AARP New Mexico will continue to highlight this issue and hopes to continue the discussion with our local business community.

While the governor said in her veto message that the bill would “hamper business efficiency and would place an undue burden on businesses,” there is little to support that. AARP New Mexico has learned in talking to family caregivers that they often struggle between doing a good job and being there for their families. Allowing them some flexibility can help alleviate this guilt and make them more productive employees.

A recent survey of New Mexico voters showed that more than half, 58 percent of family caregivers, work either full or part time. Seventy-four percent said their caregiving duties caused them to occasionally go into work late or leave early to provide their loved one care.

But what was really astounding is that 23 percent of New Mexico family caregivers left the workplace entirely, more than double the national average of 10 percent.

While people leaving the workforce has a lasting impact on our families, and causes issues both financially and emotionally, there is also an impact on our businesses.

Any business person knows that recruiting and training new employees is an expensive proposition. Finding ways to retain existing employees, who are good at their job, is far better and more cost-effective — something I know extensively from my days working in human resources.

We felt the Caregiver Leave Act was a simple step to add support to our working family caregivers without putting that “undue” burden on business and would help keep those employees in the workforce.

It is obvious that more needs to be done to support our working caregivers. AARP New Mexico will continue this effort, and hopes to continue this discussion with our business leaders and, more importantly, our family caregivers.

We would like to thank Rep. Deborah Armstrong and Sen. Michael Padilla, both D-Albuquerque, for getting this bill through the Legislature, and everyone who took time to contact the Governor’s Office in support of this bill.