48% interested in emergency eldercare benefit

EXCLUSIVE: Nearly half (48%) of respondents would be interested in an emergency eldercare policy as an employee benefit, according to research by Allianz Global Assistance.

Carr-Phil-AllianzGlobal-2014

Its research, which surveyed 200 UK employees, found that just 4% would turn to an employer or HR manager for assistance if they found themselves faced with caring for a relative.

In tandem with its research, Allianz Global Assistance has partnered social media platform Yecco to offer Yecco Care at Home.

The platform aims to reduce the issue of loneliness among the elderly population, and to integrate all the vital aspects of an individual’s life, friends, family and health, in one coherent location.

The product provides up to six weeks of assistance at home after an unforeseen illness or an accident that resulted in hospitalisation.

The research also found:

  • 52% of respondents are concerned about the future care needs of elderly parents or extending family, should they need home assistance.
  • 26% of respondents are concerned about the prospect of balancing work and home pressures while providing care for an elderly relative.
  • 20% of respondents are concerned about the financial implications of caring for an elderly relative.
  • 58% of respondents have not talked with their immediate family members about what they would do in the event of needing to provide care for an elderly relative.

Phil Carr (pictured), head of corporate business development at Allianz Global Assistance in the UK, said: “In our survey, only 4% of those surveyed said they would turn to an employer or HR manager for assistance if they found themselves having to provide care for a relative. 

“However, 48% in total said they would be interested in an elderly emergency care policy as an employee or member benefit, although women when compared to men, were more in favour of it.” 

Janet Jadavji, chief executive officer and founder of Yecco, added: “We need to build a robust network of care management solutions that brings together carers, patients and healthcare professionals.

”Social media can be pivotal to revolutionising communications in the care sector.”