Shedding Light on Caregiving

Ebony Lucas  |  July 27, 2023

Front entrance of the huge yellow mansion that held the CUWFA 2023 conference.

Gathering Work-Life Warriors

Truthfully, I was anxious about attending the College and University Work-Life-Family Association (CUWFA) conference. As a caregiver I had many responsibilities to manage both at home and at work. Furthermore, this would be my first time traveling to a conference for three days and I wasn’t certain about my arrangements for my family while I’d be away. There were so many things to prepare for and I wondered if it would be worth it. Then I remembered all the intelligent, resourceful, independent, and kind folks I had been communicating with for over a year. As a part of the CUWFA mentoring program, I knew it would be integral for me to meet the folks who had provided me with so much guidance, grace, and support.

The conference was amazing in so many ways. It was an exciting time mixed with good food and fellowship. There are many things I loved about the conference, the farm-to-table meals, the educational sessions, the dessert with every meal (including breakfast), and a fantastic venue that was surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful gardens.

My favorite experience of the conference was being able to be in the room with like-minded folks. To meet the folks in person that inspire me. Folks whose ideals, values, and ethics match mine. I was among a group of work-life leaders committed to bringing about lasting change. In this room, I was not anxious. I felt a sense of calmness and gratitude. It was then that I realized, I was in the same room with other ‘Work-life Warriors,’ just like me.

Ebony Lucas and Alaina Charette attend an outdoor gathering at the CUWFA 2023 conference.
Nancy Costikyan, Director, Office of Work/Life, Harvard University presents Work/Life Self-Care Badass Barbie, PhD.

“There are only four kinds of people in this world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers. Caregiving is universal.”

Rosalyn Carter

Culture Change for Caregiving

One of my favorite presenters was Eileen Lawless from the University of Arizona. She presented, Shedding Light on Culture Change for the University Caregiver. As the coordinator of our MSU Adult Caregivers Employee Resource Group, I knew it was important for me to attend this presentation. Lawless emphasized the need for everyone to become accustomed to caregiving.

Today, family caregivers supply about 80 percent of childcare and elder care, delivering meals, taking loved ones to doctor’s visits, managing medications, and family conflicts. This results in lost work hours or jobs, high stress, and serious physical and mental health declines. Caregivers today are struggling to cope with the needs of aging and ill loved ones while trying to keep their careers and personal life from neglect. Many caregivers who work and supply care experience conflicts between these competing responsibilities. This makes it crucial that employees are allowed the flexibility to support them in their efforts toward work-life fit. Here were some additional take-aways:

Seven facts about caregiving:

  1. There are more than 44 million caregivers nationwide.

  2. There is no consensus on the definition of a caregiver.

  3. The Family and Medical Leave Act provides protections for caregivers in the workplace.

  4. Female family members provide 80% of caregiving.

  5. One in three caregivers is suffering from poor health.

  6. There are little to no financial and social resources available for caregivers.

  7. 66% of caregivers report experiencing symptoms of depression.
Jaimie Hutchison, Alaina Charette and Ebony Lucas attend sessions about supporting people through many work-life scenarios, including caregiving.

Another highlight for me during the conference was the chance to meet Carol Hoffman in person. Carol Hoffman a retired social worker, provided me with endless information and support. I was able to sit with her during one of our sessions. This gave us an opportunity to get to know each other a little better. I found Carol to be delightful, down-to-earth, and gracious. At the end of the session, we both commented on how good it was to finally meet each other in person.

One key takeaway for me was that we are all connected to caregivers. I think Rosalyn Carter said it best, “There are only four kinds of people in this world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers. Caregiving is universal.”

Learn more about caregiving at MSU by contacting the WorkLife Office  or attending an MSU Family Employee Resource Group  event or an Adult Caregivers Employee Resource Group event. If you have questions or need support the WorkLife Office is available for consultations.