Recommendations for How Employers Can Support Family Caregivers: Results From an Expert Delphi Consensus Panel

Abstract

Family caregivers play a key role in meeting the care needs of persons of all ages; the majority are employed. Caregiving can negatively affect employment and workplace productivity, but a lack of consensus regarding feasible, high-impact strategies to ameliorate such consequences exists. Our objective is to develop a consensus of the most important and feasible employer-based solutions to support working family caregivers. We used the e-Delphi method consisting of a literature review, 2 rounds of surveys, and 2 rounds of focus groups of caregivers, advocates, and employers. Respondents identified flexibility and financial support, paid leave, awareness campaigns, free/subsidized mental health counseling, free/subsidized legal consultations, and a trusted resource to help navigate Medicare and Medicaid as the most important and feasible supports for working caregivers. These consensus recommendations provide actionable guidance for employers and policymakers, aligning with the goals of the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers.

Keywords

caregivers employee benefits Delphi technique workplace employment

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