CareQuest Expands Long-term Care and Eldercare Solutions to the New England States.

Business Editors, Health/Medical Writers

MADISON, Wisc.--(BW HealthWire)--August 1, 2000

CareQuest(R) National Work & Family Life Program has announced the further expansion of their long-term care and eldercare operations with the opening of New England offices in both East Sandwich and Cambridge, Massachusetts. Derek Miele LTCGS, has been appointed Regional Director for the territory, and will be in charge of operations for all related assistance programs and insurance services through employer groups and associations - including the implementation of CareQuest's exclusive Bridge-Link process.

"This is a result of our continued efforts to help employers and associations," says Robert Pearson, President and CEO of CareQuest, and nationally recognized expert in long-term care. "Like it or not, the affects of long-term care are creating emotional havoc and huge financial losses in the workplace. We remain committed to providing employers with a clear understanding of what they're up against, and the solutions they need to be considering."

Mr. Pearson's comments are substantiated by a recent caregiver study conducted by AT&T indicating that 73% of their employees "are, or believe they will be, caregivers (someone with concern for an elder)." The study found that "many of the caregivers surveyed are experiencing very high levels of stress, guilt, and frustration. They struggle with balancing job, family and personal obligations in the face of caregiving." These findings also coincide with current productivity losses to employers that are estimated at $3,142 per year per caregiving employee.

"This starts to sound like a broken record, but the caregiving issue is definitely here to stay," states Pearson. "Employers must decide to take on the responsibility of providing appropriate long-term care solutions in their workplace. They need to understand why a simple insurance offering isn't enough, what kind of support caregivers are starving for, and how they can best assist their employees' families. Those who choose to treat this crisis lightly will surely be left at the back of the line when it comes to quality hires, employee retention and reducing productivity losses."

CareQuest has been developing innovative solutions for long-term care and eldercare since 1985, working primarily with government agencies, counties and universities. The company has more recently expanded into the private sector with solutions such as their exclusive, turnkey Bridge-Link process that is offered to employers and associations.

The program is aimed at offering a total long-term care solution including both caregiver assistance and financing options. CareQuest's services include a wide range of professional long-term care and eldercare guidance including care planning, assessment, education and resources. The financial side of the equation provides employees and their extended family members with the important opportunity to work with specialists who can offer them a variety of long-term care insurance financing options at large group rates.

"We've spent years of research arriving at our process. It makes sense, it works, and employers need to learn about the many benefits it will offer." Pearson ads. "CareQuest has an important message, and we intend to deliver it."

Employers and Associations who wish to investigate the details of this low-cost workplace program, call one the New England Regional office at [phone], [phone], or e-mail: [e-mail].

Inquiries are also welcome from insurance and benefit professionals who would like the opportunity to offer this process to their clients and prospects.

For more information on other programs CareQuest offers, go to www.bridge-link.com.

News Reporters: Background Information: http://www.bridge-link.com/who.htm