The dilemma is they can't give up their jobs, but their families need them at home.
Some people experience the problem from two generations - their children and their aging parents.
Four years ago, the U.S. government passed the Family Medical Leave Act. Since its enactment, more than 12 million eligible workers have taken leave with federal protection. The law allows workers at businesses with 50 or more employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job- protected leave to care for a newborn or adopted child, to attend to their own serious health needs, or to care for a seriously ill parent, child or spouse. Some businesses have reported reduced employee turnover, enhanced productivity and improved morale, which they attribute to the act. While a major step forward, the law doesn't cover all situations.