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Caring for an Older Relative

Caring for an aging parent or a dependent adult can be stressful. From finding a caretaker to requesting time off, Tufts offers a number of online and in-person services that can help you or your loved one.

Time Off and Leaves of Absence

Sometimes, life events require time off from work so you can take time to care for yourself or your family. Tufts provides a range of time-off and leave options for benefits-eligible employees.

Alternative Work Arrangements and Telecommuting

A flexible work schedule can help you balance the needs of work, family, and other personal commitments.

While an alternative work arrangement or telecommuting may not work for every position, Tufts offers some possible options for you to explore with your supervisor.

Care.com

Tufts provides a Care.com benefit to help you find a reliable care provider for any member of your family. Access tips and advice on finding, interviewing, and hiring your own providers as well as articles on a wide array of topics, such as caregiving, safety, and assisted living.

Additionally, you get 20 days of last-minute backup adult care per year any time you have a gap in your family care arrangements. Gap coverage can be used to help your parent attend a medical appointment – whether in your town or across the country.

Tufts Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Tufts Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential counseling and referrals for you and your adult household members.

EAP counselors are licensed professionals experienced at helping with a wide range of personal and work-related issues.

The EAP also provides free legal and financial consultations plus research and referrals for adult care needs.

You can reach the EAP 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 800-648-9557, or take advantage of a wide range of online resources, including more than 20,000 tip sheets, articles, and resource guides on the member website.

Tufts University’s Elder Care Online Support Group

Tufts offers an online support group for faculty and staff who have an elder parent or person at home where they can discuss their support, advice, and resource needs with others caring for elders at the university.

Join the mailing list by entering Tufts login and password on the left, and click “subscribe” when prompted.

Legal Services

MetLife Legal Plans provides covered legal services from experienced attorneys who can help you with a wide range of personal legal matters including elder law matters. Consult with an attorney of your choice via telephone or in-person for an unlimited number of personal legal matters.

You may use this service for help with document reviews including:

Medicare or Medicaid materials
Prescription plans
Leases
Nursing home agreements
Powers of attorney
Wills, including living wills

The service also includes preparing deeds involving the parents when the Participant is either the grantor or grantee; and preparing promissory notes involving the parents when the Participant is the payor or payee.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

The Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account lets you pay for elder care and other eligible dependent care expenses using pre-tax dollars. Be sure to review the conditions for eligible elder care expenses included in the general FSA overview.

Other Resources

For your convenience, we have compiled a list of local and government websites with information about elder care. Tufts University is not affiliated with these organizations.

Provided by Human Resources