What Americold Realty Trust Employees Should Know About Caring for Aging Parents
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Americold Realty Trust:
Americold Realty Trust does not directly list a specific healthcare provider within the available data. However, it typically offers employee health benefits through common providers affiliated with its health plans. Employees are encouraged to review their benefits package for pertinent details regarding insurance networks and available healthcare providers.
Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026:
As Americold Realty Trust prepares for 2026, employees should brace for significant increases in healthcare costs. Premiums on Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans are anticipated to surge, with some states projecting hikes of over 60%. The expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, coupled with rising medical costs and aggressive rate increases from major insurers, may result in employees facing out-of-pocket premiums increasing by over 75%. Understanding these changes will be vital for Americold employees to manage their financial planning effectively in the coming year.
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'Many Americold Realty Trust employees underestimate how caregiving responsibilities may influence their long-term planning. To prepare thoughtfully and involve the right professionals, it's important to start these conversations early.' — Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'Many Americold Realty Trust employees face unexpected pressure when aging parent responsibilities arise. I believe early planning and open family communication can help households navigate these challenges with greater clarity.' — Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article, we will discuss:
Key warning signs that aging parents may need additional support.
Essential legal and health care preparations to help families stay organized.
How to coordinate family involvement and emotional readiness during caregiving.
Many Americold Realty Trust employees in their mid-50s to early 60s come to discover that their retirement planning may have to expand to include the needs of their aging parents. As America’s population grows older, adult children frequently take on caregiving responsibilities for parents facing health issues, financial weaknesses, and cognitive decline. These realities influence family dynamics, investments, estate planning, taxes, and emotional well-being.
“Your parents' financial vulnerabilities become your financial stress unless you plan ahead and take a proactive role,” explains Brent Wolf, CFP®, an advisor at Wealth Enhancement.
Below are key considerations for individuals ages 55 to 65 who are preparing to support elderly parents.
1. Recognize the Early Signs of Cognitive Decline
For many families, cognitive decline in an aging parent typically appears gradually. Early warning signs may include:
- Repeatedly forgetting conversations
- Missing or duplicating bill payments
- Confusion about routine transactions
- Financial decisions influenced by new “friends”
- Unusual wire transfers or unexpected spending changes
Your role is not to diagnose—your role is to observe and speak up early. By addressing concerns promptly, you, your family, and your advisory team can potentially help mitigate the risk of future financial or cognitive harm.
2. Put Durable Power of Attorney and a Trusted Contact in Place
If a parent becomes cognitively impaired without a durable power of attorney, families often face a costly, lengthy conservatorship process. Americold Realty Trust employees can address this by planning ahead.
Consider getting the following key documents in place:
- A trusted contact authorization
- Durable Power of Attorney for finances
- HIPAA releases and health care power of attorney
- Updated beneficiary designations, wills, and trusts
These steps can help reduce uncertainty and lessen the risk of financial exploitation should a parent become more vulnerable.
3. Prepare for Health Care Shock: Medicare Has Gaps
Many households are surprised by how much Medicare does not cover. Common out-of-pocket costs include:
- Long-term custodial care (memory care, assisted living, in-home support)
- Prescription drugs
- Private caregivers and care managers
- Out-of-pocket deductibles and co-pays
To plan effectively, Americold Realty Trust employees should understand:
- What your parents’ insurance covers
- Their likely care expenses
- Whether self-funding or long-term care strategies may fit
- Whether Medicaid planning (with its five-year look-back) should begin early
Health care decisions become more urgent if cognitive decline is a concern.
4. Guard Your Parents Against Financial Abuse
Financial abuse is a growing threat for older adults—including parents of Americold Realty Trust employees. Common scams include:
- Romance schemes
- Fake IRS, FedEx, or government calls
- “Grandchild in trouble” scams
- Caregiver misconduct
- Pressure from acquaintances or distant relatives
- Fraudulent investment pitches
Adult children often hesitate to intervene, but silence can increase risk. Advisors can help monitor accounts, identify unusual activity, and place temporary holds when needed.
5. Organize the “Invisible” Parts of Their Financial Life
By age 80, even financially experienced parents may struggle to keep up with routine obligations such as:
- Required minimum distributions
- Quarterly tax payments
- Charitable documentation
- Insurance renewals
- Online passwords
- Property tax deadlines
- Portfolio withdrawal planning
Advisors can help reduce errors by automating tasks, consolidating accounts, and simplifying processes.
6. Bring the Entire Family Into the Conversation Early
The most challenging situations often arise when adult children learn of issues only after a crisis. Americold Realty Trust employees may benefit from:
- Annual family meetings
- Clear conversations about parents’ wishes
- Defined caregiving and financial roles
- Discussions around independence and dignity
Proactive communication may helps mitigate conflict and avoid last-minute decisions during emergencies.
7. Prepare Yourself Emotionally and Financially
Caring for aging parents can influence:
- Retirement timing
- Your ability to continue working
- Your cash flow
- Your mental and emotional resilience
Advisors can help you develop:
- A dedicated “parent care fund”
- Tax-efficient withdrawal strategies
- Cash flow outlines that factor in elder care
- Estate plans that reflect multigenerational needs
With thoughtful planning, supporting your parents does not have to disrupt your retirement goals—even for Americold Realty Trust employees navigating complex benefits.
8. Build a Team-Based Approach
Families caring for elderly parents often benefit from a coordinated team that may include:
- A financial advisor
- An attorney with experience working with seniors
- Tax specialist
- Geriatric care manager
- Estate planning attorney
- Health care advocates
Working together, these professionals can help manage risk for both parents and adult children through a unified strategy.
Conclusion
Aging is inevitable—but it does not have to create chaos. Early planning, while parents are still capable, can lessen emotional strain, help minimize family conflict, and ideally reduce the likelihood of financial harm.
“The best gift you can give your aging parents is structure, clarity, and a financial advocate who supports them when they can no longer support themselves,” says Brent Wolf.
For Americold Realty Trust employees ages 55 to 65, now is the time to act.
Taking the Next Step
The Retirement Group can help you design a Parent Care Plan that includes financial oversight, health care review, legal preparation, and fraud monitoring.
To speak with a team member who can guide you through each stage of the process, call
(800) 900-5867
.
We are here to support you, your parents, and your family through every stage of life.
What type of retirement savings plan does Americold Realty Trust offer to its employees?
Americold Realty Trust offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
Does Americold Realty Trust match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Americold Realty Trust provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) plan contributions, subject to certain limits.
What is the eligibility requirement for employees to participate in Americold Realty Trust's 401(k) plan?
Employees of Americold Realty Trust are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.
Can employees of Americold Realty Trust choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?
Yes, employees of Americold Realty Trust can choose from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the Americold Realty Trust 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the Americold Realty Trust 401(k) plan is subject to IRS limits, which may change annually.
Does Americold Realty Trust allow for catch-up contributions in its 401(k) plan?
Yes, Americold Realty Trust allows employees aged 50 and older to make catch-up contributions to their 401(k) plan.
What happens to my 401(k) balance if I leave Americold Realty Trust?
If you leave Americold Realty Trust, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out, or leave it in the Americold Realty Trust plan if permitted.
Are loans available against the 401(k) plan at Americold Realty Trust?
Yes, Americold Realty Trust allows eligible employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance under certain conditions.
How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the Americold Realty Trust 401(k) plan?
Employees of Americold Realty Trust can typically change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to plan rules.
Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Americold Realty Trust 401(k) plan?
Yes, Americold Realty Trust has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched funds.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
In 2024, Americold Realty Trust announced a restructuring plan that includes a reduction in workforce and changes to its pension plan. The company aims to streamline operations and cut costs amid a challenging economic environment.
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Check Out Articles for Americold Realty Trust employees
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Americold Realty Trust at 10 Glenlake Parkway, Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30328; or by calling them at (770) 418-9288.
Further Information for Americold Realty Trust* Employees
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