The Elder Support Gap

Benefit Challenges for Those Caring for Aging Loved Ones

Despite a rapidly aging population and a growing number of employees balancing work with caregiving responsibilities, eldercare remains significantly underserved compared to other workforce benefits.

The Growth of Caregiving

As the U.S. population ages, more families are taking on the responsibility of caring for older loved ones. Millions of Americans provide unpaid care for older adults, helping with daily tasks, companionship, transportation, and other needs alongside work obligations.

Access to affordable long-term care remains limited, the caregiving workforce faces shortages, and many older adults struggle with the high cost of care. Without stronger support systems, the growing demand for eldercare can place increasing pressure on families, impacting their ability to show up in the workplace.

Why Eldercare is Underserved

There is a distinct gap between the current demand for eldercare benefits and the support provided by employers. This gap exists because of the hidden work and stigma associated with caregiving, with the unpredictability of the role, and an underestimation of the impact on the workforce.

Invisible caregiver

Employees caring for aging parents are less likely to speak up than new parents. The stigma, emotional toll, and gradual onset of eldercare responsibilities mean many employees suffer in silence, without their employer knowing.

Complex and Unpredictable Needs

Unlike childcare, which follows a relatively predictable developmental timeline, eldercare is highly erratic. An aging relative’s health can deteriorate suddenly due to a fall, stroke, or cognitive decline, making it harder for employers to design standardized solutions.

Underestimation of Economic Impact

Many companies might not realize that a lack of eldercare benefits directly affects absenteeism, lost productivity, and voluntary turnover. This especially impacts among mid-to-senior level employees who are at the peak of their careers.

Workplace Impact of Underserving Caregivers

Having employees who are balancing work and eldercare responsibilities without benefit support impacts performance, engagement, and retention in the workplace. We typically see:

• Increased productivity disruption tied to caregiving responsibilities
• Reduced employee focus tied to caregiving responsibilities
• Reduced retention during high-stress life transitions
• Managers with little to no guidance to support employees through sensitive caregiving

Bridging the Eldercare Support Gap

The future of support for eldercare requires bridging the gap between eldercare benefit needs and the support offered. Programs like Uprise AgeWell do this by extending the value of existing benefits.

Programs that support eldercare help employees navigate the challenges of supporting aging family members, provide the guidance and reassurance they need, and create a measurable impact in performance, engagement, and retention. Benefits that accomplish this support include:

Care Coordination Services

Employees should have access to professional care managers who help navigate the complex medical, legal, and financial aspects of eldercare.

Planning Tools and Family Support

Employees should receive guidance and access to tools that simplify complex planning and decision-making responsibilities.

Greif and Bereavement Support

Employees and their families should receive guidance and counseling support when dealing with loss, memorial planning, and emotional recovery.

These features provide employees with the support they really need to be able to work and provide meaningful care to those they love.