Caring for Aging Parents
Caring for an aging parent is rewarding and overwhelming, often at the same time — emotionally, physically, and financially. Utilize benefits that help you balance caregiving with your own well-being and work life.
Review the 2027 Benefits eGuide for complete plan details.
Your mindful moments fuel their care
%20iStock-2171295029.jpg)
Give time where it’s needed most
If you’re caring for an aging parent and need extended time away, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can protect your job for up to 12 weeks. Contact The Hartford to start your FMLA request, and don’t forget to notify your manager and Human Resources. The Hartford will assess your eligibility and notify you once a decision is made. You may also qualify for state-provided leave. Contact your state agency for eligibility and details.
Free support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Available 24/7, get free, confidential support through Carelon Wellbeing for the emotional and family challenges of caring for an aging parent, whether or not you’re enrolled in an LSC Medical Plan.
You and every household member get six free in-person or virtual counseling sessions per issue, per year, covering:
- Caregiver stress, burnout, and emotional fatigue
- Navigating family dynamics and tough decisions
- Grief, anxiety, depression, and more
Prefer to text it out? talkspace.com/carelonwellbeing (enter: LSC Communications) connects you with a licensed counselor right from your phone.
Health care that helps you to help them
Medical coverage that supports your role
LSC Medical Plans use the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois network. Don’t put off your own check‑ups — your health matters too. Caring for an aging parent can be demanding, so staying well yourself is essential.
Utilize the Health Advocacy Solution (HAS) program for personalized, hands‑on support to navigate care, understand benefits, find providers, and access resources ranging from appointment help to condition‑specific guidance.
Need care from home? Teladoc Health connects you with doctors or therapists virtually — without adding another trip to the calendar.
%20-%20%20(iStock-1367252864.jpg)
Virtual physical therapy with Hinge Health
Hinge Health is free for LSC Medical Plan members 18+ — useful if lifting, bending, or long caregiving hours are catching up with your back, shoulders, or joints. No appointment needed: hinge.health/lsccommunications.
Services that lighten the load
Elder care support
Through the EAP, get expert help with:
- Finding elder care, memory care, and nursing homes
- Personalized referrals and digital tools for caregiving support
- Legal matters such as elder law, estate planning, and long-term care financial planning
Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA): If a parent lives with you at least half the year and is unable to care for themselves, DCFSA funds (up to $7,500 pre-tax) can go toward adult daycare or in-home care. Administered by HealthEquity — healthequity.com/wageworks, 877-924-3967.
Guard their legacy
If the time comes, LSC’s Basic Life Insurance benefit already includes real support for exactly this.
Grief counseling: You and your dependents get up to five free private grief counseling sessions per event, in person or by phone, through LifeWorks at 888-319-7819 or metlifegc.lifeworks.com (username: metlifeassist / password: support).
Funeral planning support: A licensed counselor can help you pre-plan or navigate arrangements through Dignity Memorial’s network, with a discount on services. Call 866-853-0954 or visit finalwishesplanning.com.