More than 90 per cent of companies believe that there will be an increase in the number of employees who are caring for an elderly relative. Employees under this stress are coming in late, leaving early, and spending time on the phone making arrangements for care.

Companies have noted this mental distraction from work and are answering it with elder care benefits. Management believes that by supporting this issue they will have employees who will be better able to concentrate on work.

The challenges that employees face are varied because each situation can change. Therefore employers are offering different options, such as seminars on elder care issues, counseling, access to community resources, and access to long-term care insurance.

Employees dealing with elderly parents face similar issues as those with young children. The difference is that people expect to make decisions for children, but not for parents. The emotional consequences of elder care can be difficult. Employers are realizing this and answering the call, finding that doing so benefits both the caregivers and the employers.