What Eversource Energy Employees Should Know About Caring for Aging Parents
Healthcare Provider Update: Employees receive medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage, with HSA contributions for high-deductible plans. The Med-Vantage Plan offers post-employment HRA contributions, making ACA planning relevant for retirees
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'Many Eversource Energy 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 Eversource Energy 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 Eversource Energy 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. Eversource Energy 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, Eversource Energy 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 Eversource Energy 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. Eversource Energy 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 Eversource Energy 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 Eversource Energy 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 is the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis, helping them build a financial foundation for retirement.
How can I enroll in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What is the employer match for the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Eversource Energy offers a competitive employer match to encourage employee participation in the 401(k) Savings Plan. Specific matching contributions can vary, so it's best to check the plan documentation for details.
Can I change my contribution rate to the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution rate to the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan at any time through the benefits portal or by contacting HR.
What investment options are available in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock, allowing employees to tailor their investment strategy.
Is there a vesting schedule for the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan has a vesting schedule for employer contributions. Employees should refer to the plan documents for specific details on the vesting timeline.
What happens to my Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Eversource Energy, you have several options regarding your 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling over your balance to another retirement account, cashing out, or leaving it in the plan if permitted.
Can I take a loan from my Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Eversource Energy allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain conditions and limits. Employees should review the plan's loan policy for more information.
Are there hardship withdrawals available in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Eversource Energy permits hardship withdrawals from the 401(k) Savings Plan under specific circumstances. Employees must meet certain criteria to qualify for a hardship withdrawal.
How often can I review my Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan statements?
Employees can review their Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan statements quarterly, and they can also access their account information online at any time.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Eversource Energy offers comprehensive employee pension and 401(k) plans for its employees, focusing on both financial security and long-term retirement benefits. Eversource Energy's pension plan is accessible through their PensionConnect platform. Employees participating in the Eversource Pension Plan can manage their accounts via the platform, which has been updated with enhanced security since January 2019 (EHR.com).
In addition to the pension plan, Eversource Energy offers a 401(k) plan, which includes a 100% match on the first 3% of employee contributions. An additional employer contribution, known as KVantage, is based on both the employee's age and years of service, and ranges from 2.5% to 6.5%. For employees over the age of 40, the MedVantage program provides an annual $1,000 contribution to a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for post-employment medical expenses
Restructuring Layoffs: Eversource has not announced any significant layoffs in 2023-2024, but the company remains vigilant in its operational adjustments to align with market conditions. Given the ongoing economic uncertainties, it's important for employees and stakeholders to stay informed about potential restructuring efforts that could impact job security and overall company strategy.
Eversource Energy provides its employees with both stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of their compensation packages. The specific stock options and RSUs available at Eversource Energy are designed to align employee interests with those of shareholders, incentivizing long-term company performance.
The stock options granted by Eversource Energy typically include the right to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, often based on the market value at the time of the grant. Employees generally must meet certain vesting conditions, such as continued employment over a specified period, to exercise these options. RSUs, on the other hand, are company shares granted to employees, which also vest over time. Once vested, the RSUs are converted into actual shares of Eversource Energy stock, which the employee can then hold or sell.
As of 2022, 2023, and 2024, these stock options and RSUs have been made available to a broad range of employees within the company, primarily focusing on executive-level staff and those in key positions critical to the company's success. The specific eligibility criteria, vesting schedules, and grant amounts vary based on the employee's role and performance.
Eversource Energy offers a comprehensive set of health benefits designed to support the well-being of its employees. The company's health benefits for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024 include a variety of plans such as medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage. Employees have access to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which allow them to manage healthcare expenses with tax advantages.
Eversource is also known for its wellness program, which incentivizes employees and their spouses to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. The program includes access to wellness resources, often powered by platforms like Virgin Pulse, and offers rewards for participation in health-related activities.
Additionally, Eversource has specific provisions for employees facing serious health conditions. For instance, the company offers protections against service shut-offs for households with members facing life-threatening conditions or serious illnesses. These protections extend through specific periods and require certification from a medical professional.
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