As we recognize National Family Caregivers Month this November, it’s worth spotlighting a caregiving trend reshaping today’s workforce: more employees are caring for aging parents than ever before.
Here at The DBL Center, as we track the growing adoption of statutory Paid Family and Medical Leave programs across the US, we often emphasize the benefits of PFL for parents of young children, especially mothers.
But PFML, in states that require the benefit, is available for workers of all genders to care for any of their family members (definitions often vary by state) with an illness, injury or special needs at any age.
With more workers caught in the “sandwich generation,” navigating full-time jobs while supporting both children and aging parents, statutory PFML programs provide critical financial safeguards that help employees stay engaged at work while managing complex caregiving responsibilities. For business owners and the insurance brokers who advise them, understanding this shift is essential.
Working Women in the Sandwich Generation Struggle the Most
Writer Jodi Ireland of Nifty50+ shares the story of Linda H., a “sandwich generation” woman who uprooted her teenage children to move to Georgia to care for her aging mother.
“My mother was in the early stages of dementia, suffered from depression and had wild mood swings,” Linda told Ireland. “It was awful… I felt like I was trapped in the middle of two oppressive forces, but luckily, my husband was a rock… he earned enough to support us all.”
Linda’s experience is far from unique. And many workers face it without the financial safety net of a working spouse or even a robust savings account. Many workers rely on PFML to help cover daily expenses while they take incremental leave for caregiving duties or the full 12 weeks while they seek other solutions to balance caregiving and steady income.
It’s easy to see why PFML is so important. Insurance brokers play a critical role in helping employers secure the best service and potential premium savings through a private plan.
The Shifting Landscape of Caregivers: By The Numbers
More than 38 million Americans over the age of 15 provide unpaid care to an older adult aged 65+ due to conditions related to aging, according to recent US Department of Labor statistics.
The website Work + Family Insight quotes an even higher estimate: 53 million Americans care for a senior or a family member with disabilities. One-quarter of those caregivers are also taking care of children, making them part of the “sandwich generation,” like Linda H. above.
Of those caregivers, 61% also work a full- or part-time job for pay and another 16% of working Americans expect to become caregivers within the next two years as their parents get older. Brokers and employers can expect more claims for PFML to care for aging parents in the coming years.
Let The DBL Center Help
It’s essential for brokers to be able to guide their clients through the benefits maze, which is where The DBL Center helps as your back-office staff. Our team understands the intricacies of PFML across the states so you don’t have to.
We also have the insurance carrier connections to secure lower premium rates, where available, top-notch service and claims support, and ancillary benefits that can help you create a comprehensive benefits package for your clients.
Our expert team is always happy to provide a risk gap analysis to help you find opportunities to better serve your clients.
As More States Add PFML Requirements, Successful Sales Begins with Education
As more states roll out Paid Family and Medical Leave programs, including new laws in Minnesota and Maryland, brokers are uniquely positioned to help employers navigate these evolving requirements.
Many business owners don’t realize PFML is mandatory in their state. If they are aware of the laws, they don’t realize they may qualify for cost savings and better service with a private plan.
National Family Caregivers Month is a timely reminder that caregiving—especially eldercare—is an everyday reality for millions of employees.
Brokers who can help clients understand their statutory obligations, communicate available benefits and the potential cost savings become trusted advisors in a rapidly changing benefits landscape.
The DBL Center is here to support you every step of the way. Reach out to work with us and gain access to our best-in-class team and technology.
