Employers Are Important Source of Support for Parents of Special Needs Children, LifeCare^® Poll Shows

WESTPORT, Conn., February 28, 2006 – Parents of children with special health needs often don't know where to find reliable information and support programs. But a new poll by LifeCare^®, Inc., the work/life pioneer and leading creator of innovative life management services, reveals that a majority of working parents would potentially turn to their employer for support if faced with this situation. In a poll conducted on LifeCare's private web site during the month of January, individuals were asked, “If you have or were to have a child with special needs, how likely would you be to turn to your employer for specialized support?” Here's how they responded:

		40% said it is “very likely” that they would seek support from their employer.
		29% said they “possibly” would do so.
		26% said it's “not very likely.”
		5% said they're “not sure.”

“For employers, these poll results carry a very clear message: we have a great opportunity here to improve the lives of millions of working parents and their children,” said LifeCare CEO, Peter G. Burki. “And it's extremely easy and cost-effective to do so. All employers need to do is provide workers with access to a high-quality work/life program like LifeCare. We help parents learn about and access appropriate medical, financial, legal and community services and entitlements. We also give them extensive educational materials and arrange for access to experts and facilities in their local areas, such as special schools and day care facilities. Offering a program that helps parents find these much-needed resources is a powerful demonstration of an employer's respect for and commitment to its people.”

Burki said that, in addition to offering work/life benefits, employers can help parents of special needs children by offering flexible work schedules, which make it easier for parents to take their children to the special facilities and care providers they so often need to visit during the workday. “Tax-deferred spending accounts can also be a big help with ongoing child care and medical supplies,” he added. “And health and wellness programs can help to minimize the stress these parents face, give you a more productive workforce, and reduce potential medical claims filed by over-stressed employees.”

The Growing Need for Special Needs Assistance

Employers often underestimate the prevalence of special needs parents within their own organizations. A study by Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston found that one in 12 U.S. workers has a child with a disability or a special need.

“It came as a surprise to most of the employers interviewed for our study that so many of their employees could have a child with a special need,” said Christina Fluet, Project Director for Massachusetts General Hospital. “It wasn't an issue on their radar screen. Consequently, they didn't realize how they could help these employees with their work-family challenges.”

The term “special needs” encompasses a broad range of issues related to physical challenges, medical needs, learning disabilities and emotional problems, all of which require some type of continual care. The parents of children with special needs face a number of unique challenges. The most common is finding a school program that can accommodate their child's particular needs. 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.

“Often, we find that parents are frustrated because they feel as though they're not being heard or understood by those around them,” Burki stated. “They're discouraged because they can't find appropriate care or assistance on their own. Many don't know what type of help is best for their child, and many more are stressed by the physical and emotional demands put upon them by the needs of their child. Without guidance and information, these parents can suffer significant health breakdowns. Empowering these parents through knowledge and professional support pays big dividends in the long run.”

Each month, LifeCare posts a poll on its private members' web site asking individuals to share their thoughts and opinions on the latest issues and work/life trends. Past polls have addressed topics such as family caregiving challenges, aging, flexible work arrangements, workplace safety and barriers to on-the-job productivity.

Notes to Editors

Peter G. Burki is available for interview.

About LifeCare^®, Inc.
With 22 years of experience in delivering highly personalized counseling, education and referral services, LifeCare helps people manage the day-to-day challenges of their lives and plan for their futures more effectively. From child care and parenting needs … to elder care and aging challenges … to personal health concerns … and far beyond … we provide high-quality tools and information 24/7 through our professionally staffed call center and award-winning web site. LifeCare currently serves 1,500 client companies with 4.5 million individuals within health plans, governmental agencies, unions and corporations. For more information, visit www.lifecare.com.

Media contact: Michael Civiello
LifeCare, Inc.
pr1@lifecare.com
203-291-4170