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

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Workplace Health
• Caregiver Support

Background:

• Family caregivers are crucial for healthcare but often face employment challenges.
• Existing strategies to support employed caregivers lack consensus on feasibility and impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a consensus on the most important and feasible employer-based solutions for supporting working family caregivers.
• To inform policy and employer practices for better caregiver integration in the workforce.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an e-Delphi methodology involving a literature review, two survey rounds, and two focus group rounds.
• Engaged diverse stakeholders including family caregivers, advocates, and employers.

Main Results:

• Consensus reached on key employer-supported interventions: flexibility, financial support, paid leave, awareness campaigns.
• Identified need for mental health counseling, legal consultations, and navigation resources for Medicare and Medicaid.

Conclusions:

• Employer-based solutions are vital for mitigating the negative impact of caregiving on employment.
• Recommendations offer actionable guidance for employers and policymakers, aligning with national caregiver support strategies.