Employee assistance program provides elder care resources

The UO Human Resources department is continuing its effort to educate employees about the many resources available through the Employee Assistance Program. This month HR is providing information about elder care assistance.

The percentage of American age 65 or older grew 28 percent from 2004 to 2014, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The percentage of people 85 and older is expected to triple by 2040. As the aging population increases, so do the demands on families to provide care for aging family members.

Cindi Peterson, UO benefits manager, said more and more employees are seeking assistance with managing the personal responsibilities of providing care for aging parents. 

“Whether it is due to a sudden illness or exploring long-term care, employees often are unsure where to go for help and are unaware that the UO employee assistance program offers support on this issue,” Peterson said. 

Cascade Centers, the UO employee assistance provider, offers a variety of resources for caregivers including educational information, planning tools and referrals to other helpful organizations, according to Julie Marshall, vice president of clinical and operational services at Cascade Centers.

“One of the best ways to address the responsibilities of caring for an aging family member is to be well-prepared and have a plan ready for action,” Marshall said. “Cascade Centers offers tools and resources for navigating elder care effectively.”

Peterson says the program can also provide assistance when an immediate need arises such as a sudden illness or hospitalization. Eligible employees have access to one-on-one assistance with a licensed counselor to explore resources and options to address the immediate circumstances and concerns. 

“Sometimes employees just need to talk through available options with someone, and Cascade Centers’ counselors can provide that confidential resource to discuss the specifics of the situation and offer assistance,” Peterson said.

To access employee assistance services, visit the HR employee assistance program webpage or visit Cascade Centers’ website. Benefit-eligible employees have access to services 24 hours a day, seven days a week through a telephone hotline or the website. Additional resources are available by establishing a registered user online account with Cascade Centers.

The Administration for Community Living, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, also provides resources to connect caregivers to programs and information.

The UO assistance program offers a wide variety of tools and resources to help with issues that arise in one’s personal life. Human Resources will continue to share information about services in a series of workplace articles in AroundtheO. In May HR shared information about mental health services available.