ELDERCARE PLUS

An innovative, business focused program designed to provide solutions for

employers and working caregivers of the elderly.

“This is Jane. I’m going to need a couple of hours away from work to take my dad to a doctor’s appointment.  He can’t drive now. And he gets nervous and forgets what the doctor says, so I need to be there too.”

DID YOU KNOW…

You may not be aware that scenarios like this happen almost daily in your workplace.  Your employees show up for work and regularly meet their deadlines and quotas.  They are dedicated and reliable.  But perhaps you have noticed some workers more frequently request a  personal day off, or permission to leave a little early or arrive a little late.  Maybe your “Jane” just seems a bit distracted, less motivated, more stressed.

The “sandwich generation” isn’t just a catch phrase—it’s a reality. And its members work for your company.

They are the adult children of the fastest growing segment of our population: those 80 years old and older.  They have assumed a care giving role for an elderly parent or other family member, and one-third of them still have children at home. 

Even if their parents live in their own home or senior facility, working caregivers spend approximately 18 hours per week—outside of work-on care giving duties.

They also state the responsibilities of elder care impact their job performance.

Studies show both men and women caregivers modify their work schedules to some degree (men54%, women 56%).  They arrive late or leave early (men 78%, women 84%) or alter work related travel (men 38%, women 27%) to fulfill caregiving duties.

It’s a growing problem with no simple solution.  But there is something you can do to ease the burden on your valued employees and, in turn, enhance their productivity.

The Answer….

       A Partnership

When you partner with Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA), we can make a positive impact on your employee’s lives - one that allows them to be more focused and productive at work and at home.  It requires a minimal investment of your time, but it is worth it!

The COALA Eldercare Plus program options include an at work presentation, interactive quarterly caregiver education opportunities, and after work training at our site for those wanting more in depth knowledge and support.

Built on the foundation of COA’s years of experience educating both professional and informal caregivers, Eldercare Plus enables workers to:

• Understand their own, their employer’s, and their loved one’s needs.
• Identify community resources they can access for help
• Navigate the system for eldercare
• Plan ahead for changing needs
• Better balance work and life issues

COALA® has received a Spaulding Foundation Grant – This is a grant is to be used to introduce area businesses (small to mid-size businesses) on how they can help their business and employees who may be caregivers by providing support and resources available for them.  COALA will work with the COA Information and Referral department in this endeavor.

  Eldercare Plus Fact Sheet

For more information on this program contact:

Nina Wichard, RN, 513-345-3384 or nwichard@help4seniors.org