The Benefits of Employer-Sponsored Elder Care Programs: Case Studies and Policy Recommendations

Abstract

Some U.S. employers sponsor elder care assistance programs to help workers address the care needs of aging family members. Employers hope that by offering these services, workers will be able to maintain productive employment and avoid job absences. This article extends previous research on the effectiveness of these programs by reporting on case studies performed at three employer firms having particularly effective programs, as judged by employees who used the firms' services during the past 2 years. Based on the case studies and a synthesis of previous research, the authors identify best practices and policy recommendations for employer elder care programs nationally.

KEYWORDS:

• caregiving
• elder care
• employment
• job flexibility
• productivity
• worker

Acknowledgments

At the time of the study, Jamie S. Partridge was with the Center for Health Outcomes, Policy and Evaluation Studies at the Ohio State University College of Public Health. Dr. Partridge is currently Outcomes Research Program Manager with Abbott Vascular in Columbus, Ohio.