myHR: October 29, 2014

Caregiver Resources and Support

As a parent, child, spouse, partner, friend— or a combination of roles— you may be called upon to provide health assistance to adult loved ones. This responsibility can impact your professional life as well as your personal life. According to the Caregiver Action Network, 60% of family caregivers are employed – and two-thirds have had to make some adjustments in their work life because of their caregiving activities. During November, National Family Caregivers Month, Penn is highlighting benefits and resources that help faculty and staff manage their combined duties at home and at work.

EAP Worklife Resources Portal
Worklife Resources—part of Penn's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) —offers free, confidential help and referrals to elder care resources, geriatric care managers, services that support family members with chronic illness, legal advisers, financial advisers, and behavioral health professionals.

Worklife Workshops
Free on-campus workshops cover topics related to caring for elderly relatives and dependent adults.

Backup Care
Subsidized adult care through Penn's Backup Care program with Care.com can provide respite time for a primary caregiver and allow faculty and staff to manage work responsibilities when a care need arises.

Health Advocate
Health Advocate can help you and your family to navigate the complex waters of the healthcare system, saving you time, money, and worry.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
A dependent care FSA allows you to set aside money for expenses used to care for a dependent adult if he or she lives with you and cannot care for himself or herself so that you (and your spouse/partner) may work.

Aetna Life Essentials
Penn provides Aetna's life insurance program to all benefits-eligible staff and faculty. The program also offers financial planning and legal support, including guidance with basic will preparation, health care issues, and power of attorney.

Flexible Work Options
Flexible work options support staff efforts to better manage the scheduling and transportation demands on caregivers.

Long-term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance is available to faculty, staff, and your eligible family members to help cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community, or in a nursing facility.

All benefits-eligible faculty and staff can use the services listed above, whether or not you’re covered under a Penn-sponsored medical plan. Human Resources Quality of Worklife staff can help you navigate these benefits. If you have questions, contact Worklife Specialist Karen Kille at 215-898-7729 or by email.

Write Outstanding Cover Letters

In today’s highly competitive job market, cover letters count. The cover letter isn’t an optional formality. It can make or break your chances for an interview—and your next great job. While the resume shows what you’ve done in the past, the cover letter shows future employers why you’re the right match for a particular position. Yet a surprising number of job seekers leave out this important part of their application. Others send poorly written letters that make them look unqualified or generic letters that don’t set them apart. You can avoid those traps. Learn how to create letters that highlight your skills, experience, and passion at Mastering the Art of Cover Letters, a free brown bag workshop on November 12 from 12pm-1pm. Register for this practical class and get ready to write outstanding cover letters.

For more professional and personal development opportunities, visit the Learning and Development website.

Did You Know?

After examination of the University’s potential operating needs and the outstanding efforts of Penn faculty and staff, the University will extend the Special Winter Vacation for fiscal year 2015 to include Friday, January 2, 2015.