Elder care is fast replacing childcare as the number one dependent care issue in the workplace. The work/home gap is narrowing and achieving balance between the demands of work and home may be difficult, but it can be done. There are employers who offer a wide variety of services to keep employees satisfied and productive on the job. For example, some employers offer on-site daycare centers, concierge services, mechanics who service cars while they are in the parking lot, corporate gyms, etc. It should be no different with eldercare advice and services. Considering that locating eldercare information and services may take up to 17 hours of fact-finding and searching - usually done while on the job - employers are beginning to address the need for eldercare assistance for their employees.

Families must begin to plan for their eldercare needs before they actually need services. If remaining productive on the job is of concern to you, explore your employer's eldercare benefit now. If your employer does not currently offer an eldercare benefit, look into your flex-time policy or you may be able to utilize the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

In the mean time, there are practical things you can do to ease the stress of working and providing eldercare to a loved one.

 - Make a list of what you need help with and when you need it. Decide what family members can do and what outside services need to be brought in.
 - Get organized. Complete a planning checklist that includes such things as your loved one's health insurance information, doctor/dentist, current medications, legal/financial information, bank accounts, burial/funeral information, etc.
 - Consider the level of care needed and whether care can be realistically provided in the home.
 - Review your loved one's insurance policies and determine if any will cover some costs of care or services.
 - Familiarize yourself with community resources near your loved one.
 - Talk to your elder loved one's health care provider. He/she may be able to help you understand what may be needed in the future.
 - Pay for a couple of hours worth of consultation with a geriatric care professional. He/she will be able to assess an individual's situation and provide a plan that includes information and referral to appropriate resources.