Caring for aging parents while managing work and family life is a balancing act that requires preparation, flexibility and compassion. Recently, three caregivers from the West Palm Beam office of Acentria Insurance, a Foundation Risk Partners’ Company, came together to share personal journeys of caring for their elderly Mom or Dad while juggling work and life. It was another incredible event hosted by Foundation Risk Partners’ Chief People Officer, Natale Corbett, and FRP’s Women’s Resource Group – The Power Collective.

What was special about this Caregiver Power Hour webinar was that all three guest speakers were team members who work in Employee Benefits (EB) and understand workforce wellness and the importance of work-life balance. Despite this advantage, all three will admit they experienced unexpected challenges when the need to care for their aging parents in a greater capacity suddenly surfaced.

“Talk to your parents now,” said Office Coordinator, Beth Boynton, “It’s a blessing to have a plan in place ahead of time (before they fall ill), to learn what their medications and finances are and to know if they have a living will.” Beth conveyed that even with preparation, the emotional and logistical weight can be overwhelming.

EB Account Executive, Mary Kilian, agreed with Beth, adding, “It is OK to vent, remain social and take time for yourself to manage… Sometimes when you step back and allow other family members or caregivers to help, it can provide untold social benefits for them and give you a little extra breath.”

In the workplace, employees juggling caregiver responsibilities benefit from supportive policies and resources found in a company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). It can provide emotional, legal and confidential support during sudden life changes such as a medical emergency or an unexpected family crisis by reducing stress and decision fatigue. “The EAP can be a real game-changer,” said Todd Lawrence, EVP and Sales Leader for FRP’s Southern Florida region, “It helps you cut through the red tape and find real support.”

As CPO Natalie Corbett summed up, “The sandwich generation, when adults in their 40s and 50s with dual caregiving responsibilities for aging parents and children, is a heavy and meaningful responsibility. And asking for support is not a weakness – it often is a necessity for work-life balance.”

Join the FRP Team and discover the many benefits, wellness initiatives and learning opportunities that are part of each of day at FoundationRP.com/Careers.