Employers Expand Benefits for Family Caregivers

Employees can now access new counseling and backup care resources to help manage family health responsibilities.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Eldercare

Bold vector editorial illustration of balanced, rounded ceramic forms, representing support and stability in corporate employee benefits. — More U.S. employers are incorporating family caregiving support into benefits packages, offering counseling and backup care to help employees manage personal health responsibilities. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should employers expand employee benefits to provide support for personal caregiving and family health needs?

Employers are increasingly integrating caregiving support into standard benefits packages to help staff balance personal and family health responsibilities. These resources often include backup care and one-on-one counseling for those managing long-term care needs.

Why it matters

While rising medical costs have pressured some corporate well-being budgets, employers are pivoting to address the growing demand from younger workers for family-focused benefits. These offerings aim to mitigate the stress of caregiving responsibilities that were rarely discussed in corporate settings two decades ago.

A review of company backup care programs indicates that 50% of employees utilize these services for pet care rather than elder or childcare. It remains unknown how benefit usage rates differ specifically between income brackets regarding the long-term efficacy of these programs.

The players

Voya Financial

A financial services firm providing retirement, investment, and insurance products that offers one-on-one counseling with care advocates for client employees.

Employee Benefit Research Institute

An organization that tracks data on employee benefit plans and recently hosted a forum on caregiving in the workplace.

CareScout

A care coordination service that assists individuals in navigating the complexities of long-term care and financial wellness.

The details

Companies are expanding support through employee assistance programs and lifestyle savings accounts designed to facilitate family wellness. One-on-one counseling with care advocates is also being offered to guide employees through the complex logistical and emotional demands of caregiving. These initiatives reflect a broader shift in corporate culture to acknowledge the burden of care management as a core factor in professional health.

Caregiving support was not part of the benefits conversation 20 years ago.
Support for mental and family health grew over the past decade.
Higher medical costs have limited spending on well-being benefits over the past few years.
CareScout educated associates on financial wellness journeys within the last six months.

Health Landscape

This development follows patterns established during the Employee Benefit Research Institute Caregiving at Work Forum, highlighting a shift in corporate support systems. Employers are moving away from traditional models to address the comprehensive family and mental health needs of modern workforces.

If you are balancing caregiving duties, review your company's employee assistance program or lifestyle savings account to see what resources are available to you. It is worth discussing with your HR department how these benefits can specifically support your personal caregiving schedule or counseling needs.

The takeaway

Workplaces are increasingly recognizing that supporting family health is essential for overall employee well-being. If you are struggling with caregiving demands, verify your current benefits coverage and connect with an HR representative to clarify how available care advocates can help you navigate these roles.