What Carlisle Employees Should Know About Caring for Aging Parents
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Carlisle: Aetna
Carlisle's medical plans are administered by Aetna, offering a variety of coverage options to suit the needs of employees and their families. These plans provide comprehensive benefits, including preventive care and prescription drug coverage, with options such as high-deductible plans paired with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to help manage costs effectively.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026:
In 2026, healthcare costs are expected to surge significantly due to a combination of factors, including the likely expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and ongoing inflation in medical expenses. Many states face premium hikes soaring upwards of 60%, pushing average out-of-pocket costs for consumers potentially over 75%. With insurers forecasting a medical trend increase of around 7-10%, and the top insurers posting substantial profits, consumers could be left grappling with higher premiums and reduced access to affordable healthcare options. Consequently, strategic planning for medical expenses has never been more critical for individuals and families navigating this challenging landscape.
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'Many Carlisle 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 Carlisle 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 Carlisle 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. Carlisle 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, Carlisle 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 Carlisle 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. Carlisle 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 Carlisle 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 Carlisle 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.
The Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth after-tax basis.
How does Carlisle match contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Carlisle offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which typically matches a percentage of the employee's contributions, up to a certain limit.
When can I enroll in the Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in the Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan during their initial onboarding period or during the annual open enrollment period.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan?
To be eligible for the Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan, employees must meet certain criteria, including age and length of service, as specified in the plan documents.
Can I take a loan from my Carlisle 401(k) account?
Yes, Carlisle allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions, as outlined in the plan's loan policy.
What investment options are available in the Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.
How can I change my contribution percentage to the Carlisle 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their contribution percentage to the Carlisle 401(k) plan by accessing the plan's online portal or contacting the HR department.
What happens to my Carlisle 401(k) account if I leave the company?
If you leave Carlisle, you have several options for your 401(k) account, including rolling it over to an IRA, transferring it to a new employer's plan, or cashing it out.
Does Carlisle offer any educational resources for 401(k) participants?
Yes, Carlisle provides educational resources and tools to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.
How often can I change my investment allocations in the Carlisle 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their investment allocations in the Carlisle 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's trading policies.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Carlisle Companies offers its employees the Carlisle, LLC Employee Incentive Savings Plan (CEISP), a comprehensive retirement savings plan. The CEISP allows employees to contribute between 1% and 50% of their eligible pay on a pretax, Roth, or after-tax basis, with annual contribution limits of $23,000 for those under 50 and $30,000 for those 50 and older in 2024. Employees are automatically enrolled at a 3% deferral election if they don't opt out.
The plan offers immediate 100% vesting on both employee and employer contributions, making all funds fully owned by the participant from the start. Carlisle’s 401(k) plan includes a company match of 100% on the first 3% contributed and 50% on the next 2%, making it a beneficial program for long-term financial planning.
Restructuring Layoffs: Carlisle Companies have been navigating various financial adjustments and structural changes in 2023 and 2024. They have announced strategic acquisitions and share repurchases, alongside continuous dividend increases to stabilize their financial standing and enhance shareholder value.
Carlisle Companies' Stock Options and RSUs
2022
In 2022, Carlisle Companies (NYSE: CSL) issued a broad-based stock option grant to employees, which marked the third such grant in the last 12 years. The goal of these grants was to provide significant incentives for employees to achieve long-term company objectives. The stock options are available to a wide range of employees, promoting a sense of ownership and alignment with the company’s success (source: Carlisle Companies’ 2022 Employee Stock Option Grant Announcement, page 1).
2023
In 2023, Carlisle continued its practice of offering stock options and RSUs to its employees. The RSUs are part of the company’s long-term incentive plan, designed to retain key employees and align their interests with shareholders. RSUs vest over a specified period, typically requiring continued employment with the company (source: Carlisle Companies’ Third Quarter Results Report, page 3).
2024
For 2024, Carlisle has maintained its commitment to employee equity compensation by offering both stock options and RSUs. The latest offerings include performance-based RSUs that vest based on the company achieving specific financial targets. These are available to managerial and executive-level employees, ensuring that key decision-makers have a vested interest in the company’s long-term performance (source: Carlisle Companies’ Fourth Quarter Results Report, page 4).
Carlisle Companies provides a comprehensive and industry-leading health benefits package to its employees, focusing on holistic wellness and financial security. The benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to help manage healthcare costs. Additionally, Carlisle offers wellness programs that promote physical and mental health, including fitness incentives, stress management resources, and preventive care initiatives (Carlisle ESG Data Center) (Carlisle).
In 2023, Carlisle emphasized sustainability in its operations, which includes the health and safety of its employees. The company's initiatives are detailed in their Corporate Sustainability Report, highlighting their commitment to reducing emissions and waste, and improving energy efficiency, which indirectly supports a healthier work environment (Carlisle).
Key healthcare-related terms and acronyms used by Carlisle include:
HSA (Health Savings Account): A tax-advantaged account used to pay for eligible medical expenses.
FSA (Flexible Spending Account): Allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for healthcare expenses.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): A certification for environmentally friendly buildings, which aligns with Carlisle's focus on creating healthier workspaces (Carlisle ESG Data Center) (Carlisle).
Recent news affecting Carlisle includes their progress towards sustainability goals, such as reducing Scope 1 & 2 emissions by over 21% and Scope 3 emissions by over 12% from their 2021 base year. These efforts reflect Carlisle's broader commitment to employee well-being through a healthier and more sustainable work environment
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Carlisle at 16430 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85254; or by calling them at +1 480-781-5000.
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