Understanding the Impact of Eldercare on Working Women’s Lives

Conducted by: Dr Viv Burr (Project Leader) and Professor Helen Colley (School of Education and Professional Development), March 2013 – ongoing

Women are more likely than men to reduce their hours, give up work or decline opportunities for promotion or training because of caregiving responsibilities. Whilst a significant amount of research and policy attention has been devoted to the impact of childcare on working mothers’ lives, there has been far less research conducted on how eldercare affects working women’s lives.

This research project aims to make such women’s voices heard and deepen our understanding of the impact of eldercare on women’s access to employment and equal opportunities in the workplace. Members of the Centre for Applied Psychological Research are working with participants from the University of Huddersfield, Kirklees Council Social Services and local carers’ organisations to explore the challenges and needs of working women caring for elders, and the context of available support. Focus group and individual interviews are being undertaken with staff from all three organisations to capture a wider view of the challenges and needs of working women caring for elders and the context of available support.

Our research aims to better inform policy-makers and employers about the needs of women elder-carers in employment, including recommendations to address these needs.