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License #: NR30211009

“The Sandwich Generation is costing U.S. Businesses $17.1 Billion to $33.6 Billion per year in productivity for caregivers who take time from their work responsibilities to provide care”

Source: The Hidden Cost of Caregiving, Metlife Mature Market Institute, August 2006:

Definition:

Represents those who care not only for their own children but also act in a caregiver role for their own parent(s).

The Sandwich Generation

Source: www.people.vcu.edu/~swharkin/swhpages/glossary.htm

“One out of every eight Americans, ages 40 to 60, is raising a child and caring for a parent at home. On top of that, seven to 10 million Americans are caring for their aging parents from a long distance away.”

Source: http://pewresearch.org/assets/social/pdf/release120805.pdf

Who is “The Sandwich Generation”?

“It is estimated that American families provide 80 to 90 percent of all in-home long term care services for their aging family members, disabled adult children and other loved ones.”

Source: http://www.caregiver.com/channels/rural/articles/sandwich_generation.htm

The Sandwich Generation …

Is estimated to be 22% of the American population.

Is generally between the ages of 40 and 60.

Is a significant part of the workforce.

Are generally family members.

Is nearly one-third male.

Decline in financial markets

Concerns of The Sandwich Generation

Increase in cost of care

Outliving their finances

Lifespan: late 80’s and 90’s

The Normal Aging Process

•  Vision • Hearing • Reaction time • Metabolism • Taste buds • Reflexes • Memory

•  Cardio-Vascular • Diabetes • Parkinson’s • Dementia • Alzheimer’s • Cancer

• Falls and bone fractures

At age 70, onset of…

At age 65, risk of…

Loss or decrease in …

  With doctors

  Home Care

  Other geriatric professionals

  Illnesses or hospitalization

  Other emergencies

  Financial Assistance

  Hands on care

  Transportation

  Banking

  Household

Daily living… Coordinating & Managing…

What does this mean in the terms of care giving?

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT YOUR CLIENTS’ EMPLOYEES?

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Meet Bob…..

Scenario #1 – Beatrice is self-sufficient

•  Beatrice drives to her Mahjong game every day.

•  One day, Beatrice gets into a car accident.

•  Beatrice is hospitalized in critical care.

Services EAP can offer

Identify Geriatric Care Management companies

• Crisis Intervention • Advocacy/Retention

What does Bob do now?

Scenario #2 – Beatrice has serious health issues

•  Beatrice has been in the hospital for the past four months.

•  Prior to that, she was in and out of the hospital with various illnesses.

•  Bob flies to Florida to see Mom.

Services EAP can offer

Identify Surrogate Family Member services •  Provide assessment of medical situation •  Oversee proper care •  Provide necessary communication •  Advocacy/Retention

What does Bob do now?

Scenario #3 – Beatrice lives on her own, but is beginning to make

poor decisions.

•  Beatrice is beginning to be forgetful, has more medical issues, and is no longer as self-sufficient.

Services EAP can offer

Identify Geriatric Care Management companies •  Meet with Beatrice and identify issues •  Communicate with family •  Become Surrogate Family Member •  Address issues on families behalf •  Refer to Eldercare Professional •  Advocacy/Retention

What does Bob do now?

How Do The Issues Facing The Sandwich Generation Affect Your Clients?

The annual cost of employees with elder care responsibilities to U.S. business according to

MetLife Mature Market Institute are:

$33.6B

Absenteeism due to caring responsibilities

Routine distractions & other loss of productivity costs

Hiring and training new staff

Dealing with crisis during work day

Implications of the Sandwich Generation on EAPs:

Examples of Services EAP can Provide

•  Referral list of network providers

 Home Health Care companies

 Geriatric Care Companies

 Geriatric Care Managers

 Local Agencies

 Other Specific Organizations

Benefit to employees with access to Eldercare Assistance Programs:

“Rules of Thumb” for selecting an Elder Care Professional

Summary