MorseLife Addresses Elder Care Gender Gap

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Sept. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to elder care, the decision makers and caregivers are the daughters, according to a recent study. At MorseLife, a prominent provider of senior care, the executive team is making strides to narrow this disparity and invite everyone to participate in the care of elderly parents.

According to a recent study from the American Sociological Association, daughters provide an average of 12.3 hours of elder care a month as opposed to sons clocking in at just 5.6 hours. The study shows brothers tend to place the caregiving burden on sisters and sisters tend to assume more of work when they have a brother.

"The decision to use the services of a senior care provider like MorseLife is a huge life choice involving all members of the family," MorseLife CEO Keith Myers said. "At MorseLife we see daughters asking the questions when it comes to their parents' health. We encourage sons to get off the sidelines, not only to become involved in these decisions, but also to understand any health issues their parents may have. Doing so can have a big positive impact on family relations and on the parent's peace of mind."

The author of the study, a doctoral candidate from Princeton, noted the mental and physical consequences for people who provide the bulk of care for elderly family members include a higher mortality rate for the caregiver. By lessening the burden with greater involvement from sons those consequences can be mitigated.

"Taking care of elderly parents can take a toll on anyone, male or female. It's mentally and physically exhausting," said Vesna Poirier, director of patient services for MorseLife. "But women are, on average, taking on most of this burden without men assuming an equal share."

Poirier said that while some men are very involved, they are the exception to the rule. She deals mostly with women and believes the traditional role of women as "nurturers" explains the disparity in part.

"Hopefully by encouraging a more balanced approach in the care of elderly parents, we can begin to see social change," Myers said. "By 2050, there will be double the number of elderly patients in care. MorseLife will be ready, but we need the sons to be 'ready' to step up and take part in their health of their parents."

For more information about this topic, please contact Kelsey Meany at 561-820-9196 or email at [email protected].

SOURCE MorseLife