Working parents and senior caregivers continue to navigate a childcare crisis and a shortage of adult care support, all while contending with rising healthcare expenses. These pressures make traditional benefits, like paid time off and legacy caregiving benefits, feel insufficient.
For employers, supporting caregivers today means curating benefits to address their most pressing needs: finding care, affording care, and navigating the complexities of care. These challenges affect every caregiver, regardless of whether they’re caring for a child, parent, spouse, or another loved one.
Finding care: access to trusted providers and resources
One of the biggest barriers caregivers face is simply finding reliable, high-quality care. We know 51% of our nation lives in a childcare desert, and senior care is just as difficult to find. Whether securing a daycare spot, hiring a home health aide, or identifying the right support program for a loved one, access to trusted resources can be a game-changer. Employers can help with:
- Access to vetted caregiver networks – Providing employees with pre-screened childcare and elder care providers eliminates the guesswork and reduces stress.
- Childcare concierge services – Finding childcare is harder than ever. Offering concierge services to help parents secure daycare spots, hire trusted nannies, or find last-minute care makes a direct impact.
- Adult care navigation support – With fewer elder care options available and different types of living arrangements, employees need guidance on making the decision that is best for their loved ones.
Affording care: financial support that makes a difference
Even if employees can find care, cost is often the next major obstacle. Many employees struggle to afford quality childcare, elder care, and specialized support services. Employers can ease this burden through:
- Caregiving stipends – Instead of only subsidizing backup care, implement programs where employer-subsidized dollars can be used for regular or short-term care.
- Education on available options – Help employees better understand their Dependent care assistance programs (DCAPs) and pre-tax options (HSAs or FSAs) that they have available to them and what is covered in each program.
Navigating the complexities of care: guidance to make informed decisions
One of the most challenging aspects of caregiving is not knowing where to start. Employees often struggle to understand their options, ask the right questions, and determine what works best for their family’s unique needs. Whether they’re making decisions about childcare, elder care, or their own well-being, navigating the unknown can feel overwhelming. Employers can help by providing resources that clarify choices and simplify decision-making.
- Care coaching services – Personalized guidance from experts helps employees understand available care options, ask the right questions, and develop a plan that works for their family.
- Decision-making support for care transitions – Employees often struggle to navigate major life transitions, such as moving a parent into assisted living or finding specialized care for a child. Access to expert-led resources, workshops, or planning tools can help employees make informed choices.
- Mental health and respite support – The emotional toll of caregiving is real, but many employees don’t seek help until they reach a breaking point. 20% of employees who take caregiving leave later need leave for their own medical condition. Providing on-demand mental health support, peer groups, and respite care options encourages caregivers to prioritize their own well-being.
When employers take action in these three areas, employees with caregiving responsibilities will be more supported, engaged, and empowered to succeed – both at work and at home.
