Health

HEALTH • Fall 2017 23 Adult day health offers help for the 'Sandwich Generation' O ver the next four decades, the United States will expe- rience considerable growth in its elderly population. A recent Pew Research Center study found that in 2050, the population aged 65 and over is projected to be 83.7 mil- lion, almost double the estimated population of 43.1 million in 2012. The increase is largely attributed to the aging baby boomer population, and it's expected to cost busi- nesses $33 billion annually by 2050, according to a 2010 study by MetLife, as employee productivity is impacted by caring for aging parents. Working caregivers As we see our elderly population growing, we see the number of employees faced with caring for loved ones at home growing. Federal data cited by the American Association of Retired Persons show more than twenty percent of working adults are caring for someone in their home. These middle-aged adults, known colloquially as the "Sandwich Generation", are often caught between the demands of child rearing in addition to provid- ing care to their aging parents and working a full time job. Meanwhile, employers are often faced with employees who need to take time off, leave early or call in sick due to these demands. Many employees are not aware of all of the options that are available to them and those they care for. One option is adult day care. These programs provide the assis- tance many employees need during work hours. Many programs offer full-day services that include: trans- portation; nursing care; meals, and social activities. A typical day in adult day care includes pick up at the home address by qualified drivers and drop off at the adult day care center. Upon arrival, breakfast is served and nurs- ing care, such as blood sugar moni- toring, is provided. Typically, there are social activities such as card games and reading. Exercise pro- grams are an important part of the day to ensure the physical activity needs are being met. Lunch and afternoon entertainment usually end the day. Most adult day care pro- grams also offer assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing. This option can be very cost effective for working families. Some health insurance plans cover the cost of adult day care. But if not, the daily rate is often more affordable than paying for private care in the home. Knowing that loved ones are being cared for in a safe environ- ment surrounded by healthcare profession- als enables employees to regain peace of mind and be more pro- ductive at work. If you or your employee is a member of the "Sandwich Generation," know that there is help out there. If you're a human resources man- ager, refer your employees to infor- mation on all aspects of caregiving, from balancing work and family responsibilities to long-distance caregiving and locating community services that will help. Start by call- ing your local Elder Services Program, which can assist elders, families, and caregivers in finding services and programs to manage a person's care needs. Angela Polletta-Penny has 20 years of experience working for a variety of healthcare organizations, including adult day health programs. She cur- rently works as the adult day care operational director at the Saint Francis Adult Day Health Program in Worcester, and is the regional marketing director for the Saint Francis parent company, Landmark Management Solutions. She lives in Worcester. BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION By Angela Polletta- Penny Residential Options for Adults with Brain Injury Seven Hills NeuroCare's Residential Options support adults with brain injury in dignified residential homes, and in various shared living arrangements. Seven Hills' trained professionals coordinate and manage the person-centered supports, enabling community access and participation in day programs that maximize independence, autonomy, and choice. n Adult Family Care n Shared Living n Group Homes n Individual Supports n Day Programs Providing the highest quality care and a place to call home is the hallmark of service at Seven Hills—call 508.983.1336 or visit sevenhills.org. 81 Hope Avenue, Worcester, MA 01603 • 508.983.1336 • sevenhills.org Seve n H ills H A MAJOR ANNIVERSARY... A NEW BUILDING... A MAJOR COMPANY MILESTONE Whether it's the celebration of a major anniversary or the opening of a new headquarters, Worcester Business Journal's Custom Publishing Division can help you create a custom magazine for your business. Our division's top flight team of writers and designers can help you tell your story – and make your business look great! Based on our unique publishing model, it's surprisingly affordable. Can we create a CUSTOM magazine for you? Call WBJ Custom Corporate Project Director Christine Juetten at 508-755-8004 ext. 270. Worcester Business Journal WBJ Custom Publishing Division Celebrating 50 Years of Growth, Jobs and Development 1 50 Years 1 9 6 5 - 2 0 1 5 C E L E B R A T I N G An advertising supplement to the Worcester Business Journal Shrewsbury Public Library: Building the Next Chapter SHREWSBURY Building the Next Chapter public library Federal data cited by the American Association of Retired Persons show more than of working adults are caring for someone in their home. 20%

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