If you are caring for an elderly relative, consider enrolling in a Dependent Care FSAFEDS account and/or accessing the elder care resources available to you through your component-provided Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Set aside pretax money for a full range of elder care services with a flexible spending account. To enroll in an FSAFEDS health savings account, you must also be eligible to enroll in the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
Enroll in the FSAFEDS program during the Federal Benefits Open Season or within the 90-day grace period allowed for a Qualifying Life Event (31 days before the event to 60 days after the event).
For more information or to enroll or change your enrollment, contact FSAFEDS at (877) 372-3337, or visit the FSAFEDS website.
DHS components provide Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that offer elder care specialists who can help you efficiently assess your caregiving situation and arrange the appropriate referrals to available support services in your area.
Referrals are available for the following support services:
- Care options and living arrangements
- Caregiver issues and concerns
- Professional geriatric care management
- Meal delivery and in-home services
- Transportation services
- Hospice services
- Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security
- Respite care
- Funeral planning
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providers vary by component. Visit the Employee Assistance Programs page to find contact information for your component's EAP provider.
DHS components provide Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that offer employees caring for family members with special needs assistance from knowledgeable experts to help them navigate a variety of challenging issues:
- Managing family dynamics
- Advocating for your family member -- including state laws and regulations
- Referrals to available resources in your community
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providers vary by component. Visit the Employee Assistance Programs page to find contact information for your component's EAP provider.
DHS components provide Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that offer DHS employees and their immediate family members with as many as 6 pre-paid, private counseling sessions per year. Counselors can help you cope with the challenges of caregiving in a confidential setting, and they can help you connect to support groups in your area.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providers vary by component. Visit the Employee Assistance Programs page to find contact information for your component's EAP provider.
For additional information on programs and work-life considerations that may be available to you as a DHS employee, consult the OPM Elder Care Handbook.