ONTARIO — The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. (AAA5) has partnered with Gorman-Rupp on a pilot project designed to better support employees who are balancing work with caregiving responsibilities for an older adult family member or friend.
Funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the University of Southern California Center for Advancing Family Caregiving Financial and Workplace Security (CACFWS), the pilot uses a caregiver support toolkit designed to help employers better understand the prevalence and needs of working caregivers and connect employees with available resources.
As part of the pilot, Gorman-Rupp employees have the opportunity to complete an optional survey to help identify working caregivers, better understand their needs, and increase awareness of the services and supports available through AAA5.
Education and resource connections will help caregivers navigate the challenges of balancing employment and caregiving.
“Working caregivers are an essential part of our workforce, yet many may not identify themselves as caregivers or know where to turn for support,” said Tammy Rearic, Gorman-Rupp Human Resources Manager.
“This partnership provides an opportunity to increase awareness, connect employees with resources, and learn how employers and aging services can work together to support caregivers.”
Gorman-Rupp will serve as a lead employer partner in testing the toolkit resources available and providing feedback that can help inform future efforts. AAA5 hopes to use this pilot partnership to expand employer engagement and reach more businesses across the region, impacted by the growing number of employees providing care for older adults.
The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc., located in Ontario, provides leadership, collaboration, coordination, and services supporting older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, and community resource networks — helping individuals maintain choice, independence, and dignity. Learn more at aaa5ohio.org.