Letter from the President
Dear Friends:

LifeCare has seen a 25% increase in the number of parents who have contacted us about a child with “special needs.”

Just what is a “special needs” case? This term encompasses a broad range of issues related to physical challenges, medical needs, learning disabilities and emotional problems that require some type of continual care. The parents of children with special needs face a number of unique challenges. Finding a school program that can accommodate their children, for example, is one of the most common tasks they need help with. The legal system also presents challenges in terms of finding and accessing entitlement programs or appropriate representation for their needs. And, of course, helping their children cope with special emotional needs can be extremely difficult and personally taxing.

Very often, we find that these parents are frustrated from not being heard or understood by those around them. They’re discouraged by not being able to find appropriate care or assistance on their own. Some are concerned about their inability to focus fully on their jobs. Many don’t know what type of help is best for their child, and many more are stressed from the physical and emotional demands placed upon them by the needs of their child.

As you’re dealing with the needs of your organization’s parents, remember that work/life programs have a significant positive impact on these employees’ lives and the lives of their children. For instance, LifeCare specialists are available 24/7 to help parents learn about and access appropriate medical, financial, legal and community services and entitlements. We also provide extensive educational materials and access to local experts and facilities (e.g., special schools and day care facilities).

Here are a few other ways that you can help the parents of children with special needs:

		Consider offering flex-time. This makes it much easier for employees to take their children to the special facilities and care providers they so often need.
		Tax-deferred spending accounts (through tax-deferred payroll deductions) can be a tremendous benefit for those needing ongoing child care and medical supplies.
		Health and wellness programs (including seminars, workplace forums, online learning courses, etc.) can help you effectively minimize the stress these employees often face. These programs will not only give you a more productive workforce, they’ll also reduce potential medical claims filed by over-stressed employees.
		Promote your work/life and EAP offerings regularly. Employees need to be reminded that you provide them with a variety of helpful benefits. Unless you send that message again and again, employees will get too caught up in their children’s needs to remember the support measures you’ve put into place.

We’re interested to know how you’re helping your own “special needs” parents. Please e-mail us at connection@lifecare.com or fax us at 203-291-3571 to tell us about the creative programs and initiatives your organization offers. We’ll write a follow-up story on this important issue once we have enough responses.

And, as always, we’d appreciate knowing how we can better serve you. So e-mail, fax or call us (800-873-4636) if you’d like to share ideas and offer feedback.

Sincerely,

John B. Place, President