Why employer support matters for caregiving families
By Kay Lee Mynatt, Voya Cares Specialist
Before the emails, meetings and daily to-do list, I’m a mom first.
My son, Spencer, has Down syndrome, and he’s changed the way my family sees the world. He’s joyful, determined and full of life. He’s also taught me how much caregiving involves — advocating, planning and thinking ahead for the future.
The reality behind caregiving
Caregiving is about more than appointments and therapy. It means making big decisions, juggling details and preparing for what comes next.
Some days are packed with appointments, calls and constant coordination. Managing healthcare, expenses and surprises can feel overwhelming fast.
When Spencer was unexpectedly hospitalized, we were suddenly dealing with treatments, schedule changes, extra costs and worry all at once. Employer benefits helped us get through it.
Tools like a Health Savings Account (HSA) can make ongoing or unexpected medical costs easier to manage. Coverages like hospital indemnity insurance can provide benefits for specifically covered events that can be used towards out-of-pocket costs like travel, meals and other unexpected expenses.
Why work still matters
After Spencer was born, I knew I wanted to keep working. Work gives me purpose, stability and a way to help support my family.
I’m not sure I could have done that without the right support. Flexibility, leave benefits, and understanding managers have made it possible for me to care for my son when he needs it while still showing up at work.
At the same time, I’ve learned that caregiving comes with big legal, financial and long-term planning decisions that many families are left to figure out on their own.
That’s why resources like legal services plans and financial planning support can mean so much. They can help families navigate things like wills, special needs trusts, guardianship and other important decisions that come with planning for the future.
The power of feeling supported
Meaningful support looks like:
- Benefits that help with out-of-pocket healthcare and other expenses and those that offer financial support resources
- Leave and flexibility for real-life needs
- Resources that make tough decisions easier
A message to employers and caregivers
To employers: your support matters more than you may realize. Many employees are balancing work with caregiving behind the scenes. When you offer benefits, flexibility and practical resources, you help families manage some of life’s hardest moments.
And to other caregivers: your work matters, too. With the right support, it’s possible to care for your family and keep building a meaningful career.
Health Account Solutions, including Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, Commuter Benefits, Health Reimbursement Arrangements, and COBRA Administration offered by Voya Benefits Company, LLC (in New York, doing business as Voya BC, LLC). Custodial services provided by Voya Institutional Trust Company.
Not FDIC/NCUA/NCUSIF Insured | Not a Deposit of a Bank/Credit Union | May Lose Value | Not Bank/Credit Union Guaranteed | Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency
Hospital Confinement Indemnity Insurance is issued by ReliaStar Life Insurance Company (Minneapolis, MN) and ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of New York (New York, NY). Within the State of New York, only ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of New York is admitted, and its products issued. Both are members of the Voya® family of companies. Voya Employee Benefits is a division of both companies. Form numbers, product availability and specific provisions may vary by state.
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The views and experiences expressed reflect those of the speaker and may not be reflective of the views or experiences of Voya Financial and/or members of the Voya® family of companies. Testimonial is provided by an employee of Voya Financial and represents her personal story. Permission has been provided for use by employee.