More companies add eldercare to job benefits
More and more companies are adding eldercare to their job benefits while touting “balance” of work and family life.
As an aside I hate the work “balance” when talking about caregiving situations be it with kids or elders. I don’t know why, I’ll have to get back to you on that one.
Anyway, I know something like that wouldn’t have helped me since my mother wasn’t physically able to do something like that, and, though she was 71, her issues were from cancer rather than being elderly.
She did have to spend some time in a nursing home for physical rehab after an illness, and, about strangled me when I suggested we go to a group activity like Bingo or something.
Geez, where was I?
Oh, it’s nice to see the workplace acknowledging the need for elder care, it will be interesting to see how many people utilize these services, and, I wonder if they will be combined with child care, too?
Has anyone had experience with eldercare as a job benefit?
Hi again, Elizabeth,
I’ve been researching this very issue for speaking gigs.
There’s a lot of talk about doing it, but for the most part unpaid family leave – like that for pregnancy – seems to be the most many employers will do. And few of us can afford to take three months off without pay.
I do think that as employers learn that support for caregivers (elders and well as children) will help them keep quality employees, more of them will look at the issue. Many will just address it in passing, unless they are forced by law to change. But some will at least look into support groups, information on respite care and other services. At least one can hope.
We have several nursing facilities in my town that offer elder day care and child day care in the same facility (obviously different rooms).
This is a huge benefit to genbetweens like you, and it’s great for the older and younger generations, as they get interaction that doesn’t often happen by chance.
I think eyes are opening a bit to the need, but we have a long way to go before there is much meaningful relief for caregivers.
Take care. I’ve put this great site on my favorites.
Best,
Carol
An eldercare benefit is a wonderful idea. I hope it catches on an spreads like wildfire! And maybe it will clue in the folks who don’t even have childcare benefits yet and get them moving.
kk