Balancing Work and Caregiving: Impact of Employment on the Health of Family Caregivers

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate how the health effects of informal care are influenced by the contextual factor employment. Methodology The analysis is based on representative German population data for 2015 and 2016 (n=19791). The focus group family caregivers" includes persons who informally support or care for a person at least one hour a week. A comparison group was identified by using propensity score matching. Relations in these two groups were examined by employing multivariate regression analysis. For a graphic presentation, subgroups were formed with regard to the amount of time spent on family caregiving and work. Results The mental health of family caregivers deteriorated with increasing effort for caregiving (B=-0.44; p=0.02). The negative health effects of family caregiving were reduced through employment (B=0.58; p<0.01), but only up to a certain number of working hours. With a higher workload for both activities, there was a decrease in the moderating effect (up to 32% of standard deviation). Conclusions The significant moderating effect of employment is mainly influenced by the overall burden in the two areas of activity. Results suggest the potentially protective and restorative effects of employment on family caregivers' health.