Many employees caring for someone with a developmental disability aren’t comfortable disclosing or discussing their related personal challenges. Studies show that suffering in silence can dramatically affect their emotional health, and lead to an average of 250 hours of lost productivity each year. Given the proper training, these caregivers can address daily challenges and effectively teach their child the skills they need.
Silent Suffering
The Wall Street Journal recently highlighted that parents caring for a child with special needs, may feel that they are at higher risk for employment discrimination and termination. 37% say that it is hard to take time off work when issues arise, and 39% report that it jeopardizes their advancement. 27% report they have been terminated due to care responsibilities and almost half (48%), have quit to care for a child with special needs. Employees don’t need to continue to suffer in silence.
Parents caring for a child with special needs face critical gaps in health plan and EAP coverage. Bridging these gaps can make the difference between a child and family thriving or just surviving. Substantial gaps include; parent and caregiver specific training, behavioral intervention and expert behavioral support, plus key accessibility for extended family, friends, care providers and other support members.
Parents and caregivers of a child with special needs face huge work life balance challenges that result in dips in both health and productivity. Parents and caregivers can face 2X the medical costs, a 50% higher spike in stress (almost two-thirds of doctor’s office visits are stress related), higher divorce rates and a loss of up to 250 hours in work productivity.
A new study shows that parent training is more effective than education to successfully address behavioral problems of children with developmental disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder. Training caregivers provided an additional 20% decrease in behavioral problems. Fewer challenges for parents and caregivers means reduced stress and less time away from work.
Rethink provides an affordable and effective solution that complements your current wellness plan by bridging the gaps not usually addressed. By providing the support parents and caregivers need, we reduce stress and reassure them that they are not alone. Since education is not enough to reduce daily challenges, we provide ongoing at-your-fingertip training that gives parents and caregivers the practical tools and training they need to help their child succeed, ultimately increasing productivity.
