Workplace Options today announced a new service allowing caregivers for the elderly and parents of latch-key children to arrange for regularly scheduled calls by counselors who ensure that their loved ones are safe and well.
Raleigh, NC (HRMarketer/PRWeb) October 22, 2003 - Workplace Options, the leading provider of work/life programs to corporate America, through partnerships with employee assistance (EAP) companies, today announced a new service allowing caregivers for the elderly and parents of latch-key children to arrange for regularly scheduled calls by counselors who ensure that their loved ones are safe and well.
An astonishing sixty-four percent of school-age children are latchkey children defined as children who come home from school to an empty house. And with state budget woes resulting in more after school programs being cut, the number of latchkey children will continue to trend upward. An equally alarming trend is the number of elderly "shut-ins", defined as older adults who are living alone. And similarly to latchkey children, the number of shut-ins is expected to rise with the 70+ demographic group being the fastest growing segment of the population.
The new Workplace Options service, called Advantage Family Assist, is offered to employees as an employee benefit as a part of their employee assistance program (EAP). What makes this monitoring service unique is the fact that highly trained child and elder care counselors, not computers, make the check-in calls. As a result, counselors can bond with their clients and can more easily identify potential issues before they become too serious.
"The reality of family and economic demographics in the United States requires creativity in how employers assist the millions of employees with "latch-key" children and care giving responsibility for elderly "shut-ins", said Alan King, COO of WPO. "Advantage Family Assist gives employees peace of mind, allowing them to focus and not worry at work."
Advantage Family Assist is designed to offer support to families by providing a regular check-in service for school-age children and older adults. Parents and/or caregivers initiate the service by completing a registration form listing information about the child/elder, the recommended times and numbers to call, and emergency contacts. Next, a Family Assist consultant will contact the parent or caregiver to schedule a call to review the registration information and to introduce the service to the child or elder making sure that everyone understands and is comfortable with service. After that, the service begins
About Workplace Options
Workplace Options is the largest provider of work/life programs to corporate America, through partnerships with employee assistance (EAP) companies. The company delivers a customized work/life product to EAPs who in turn offer employers an integrated work/life EAP employee benefit.
Founded more than 20 years ago, Workplace Options delivers its services exclusively through EAPs and other third-party organizations. The company is recognized for its innovative web delivery capabilities, flexibility and affordable pricing models.
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Contact: Rita Piper, WPO, (800) 699-8011 x2100
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