Elder Care Benefits

(CBS)  As the workforce ages and people live longer, the amount companies lose when employees miss or quit work to care for loved ones will continue to grow.

Workers who care for elderly relatives cost U.S. businesses about $34 billion annually in absenteeism, replacement costs and lost productivity, according to a survey by the National Alliance of Caregivers and the MetLife Foundation.


How Many Companies Offer Elder Care Benefits?

Companies are increasingly helping employees by adding workplace benefits similar to those that have been offered for child dependents, according to the Wall Street Journal.
But still, only about one in four companies offers any elder care benefits.

Which Companies Offer Elder Care Benefits?

Various companies throughout the United States offer benefits that help with elder care. Here is just a sampling:

According to the Wall Street Journal, Prudential Financial Inc. lets workers make a $100 co-payment and hire a geriatric-care specialist who will visit an elderly parent's home and draw up a complete care plan, or evaluate a nursing facility, even in another state.

Publisher McGraw-Hill permits employees to enroll one other adult family member, which can be an elderly relative, on their health-insurance plan at regular family rates.

Verizon Communications Inc.'s Verizon Wireless division offers emergency in-home care, and has extended the benefit to some part-time employees.

Freddie Mac offers monthly support groups for those caring for family members and provides emergency elder home care, for which employees pay $15 a day.

At AstraZeneca, employees can get six hours a year with an expert on geriatric care who will go into a private house or nursing home.

IBM offers discounted long-term-care insurance, an ambulance at the touch of a button, and free software on using the Internet.

To Learn More About Elder Benefits:

• The Society for Human Resource Management has information about corporate benefits.

• The Kaiser Network has a report about companies renewing efforts at elder care.

• You can read more about work-life initiatives from Work Life and Human Capital Solutions

• The The Senior Resource Center for Medicare Information is a private organization designed inform people navigate the Medicare system.

• The AARP's Medicare section provides additional resources including updated information on the Part D drug benefit and tips for saving money on prescription drugs.

• The The National Family Caregivers Association is an advocacy group providing education, seminars and emotional support for the millions of Americans caring for loved ones.

[pocketcrockett]

You could do a fund raiser for money to fix your mom's house. I know it sounds generic, but if you do it in that neighborhood, there are likely to be a lot of people willing to help. Just an idea. <a href="http://preferrednannies.com">Elder care</a> can be such a dilemma. I feel for you!

[milwaukeebee]

oops! I gave the wrong URL address in my posting to Willow47. The correct URL address is www.caregiversupportnetwork.ORG :)

[milwaukeebee]

Hello, i work with the geriatric population. It sounds like you have a very overwhelming situation on your hands. You are not alone. Depending on what city you live in, there are many wonderful federal grants and state/municpal funding for home improvement projects for your Mother. The first step you can take, is to call the Elder Care Locator 1-800-677-1116 or visit www.eldercare.gov. It's a free US Adm. on Aging service that can guide you to the proper resources to assist your Mother. You can also consider doing a reverse mortgage (be careful!). They're are many different programs out there to help. Please know that you are not alone. For additional support you can visit caregiving websites and local caregiving support groups. Many home repairs that are done to improve accessability may be a tax write off, (again check first!) Www.caregiversupportnetwork.com has a great discussion board to connect with others. Please take care of yourself, and good luck!

[willow47]

Fours years ago, my mother had a heart attack and a stroke. Since then, She is dependent on her kids for her needs. In the meantime, her health has deteriorated and she has some dementia. Additionally, I did not notice how deterioriated my mother's house was until, lately. It is so runned down that it should be condemned. Yet,it is the only place that my mother wants to be(for several reasons). Additionally, her mother who is 94 years old has moved in with her. She has become dependent on us, too. They also want to be together. All of this has created conflict between my siblings and me. Now, I am so tired of this conflict with them, that along with being worried, depressed, and anxious about my mother, I am feeling helpless and hopeless. Therefore, sometimes, with people living longer these days, we may find ourselves caring for grandparents and parents.But, I feel that if I could find a way to get the house fixed for her, it will make life a little simpler for her and my siblings. While I know that this a comment section , any suggestions on how to get an elerly parent's home fixed when they are on a fixed income would be greatly appreciated.