What Flowserve Employees Should Know About Caring for Aging Parents
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Flowserve
Flowserve Corporation partners with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to provide healthcare plans and services for its employees. Anthem is noted for its extensive provider network and range of health insurance options, which includes access to various plans tailored to meet the diverse needs of Flowserve's workforce.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
As we approach 2026, healthcare costs are poised to escalate significantly, driven by expected record premium hikes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. With premium increases averaging 18% and some states experiencing hikes exceeding 60%, the impact on Flowserve employees could be notable. The expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies adds to the financial burden, potentially resulting in out-of-pocket premium increases of over 75% for many workers, raising concerns about accessibility and affordability of essential healthcare services as we move into the next year.
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'Many Flowserve 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 Flowserve 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 Flowserve 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. Flowserve 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, Flowserve 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 Flowserve 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. Flowserve 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 Flowserve 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 Flowserve 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 Flowserve offer to its employees?
Flowserve offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.
How can Flowserve employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Flowserve employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does Flowserve match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Flowserve offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution percentage that Flowserve employees can contribute to their 401(k)?
Flowserve employees can contribute up to the IRS limit, which is adjusted annually. Employees should check the latest guidelines for the current limit.
Are there any eligibility requirements for Flowserve employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Flowserve employees must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as a minimum length of service, to participate in the 401(k) plan.
Can Flowserve employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Flowserve allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
What investment options are available in Flowserve's 401(k) plan?
Flowserve offers a variety of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
How often can Flowserve employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
Flowserve employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at designated times throughout the year, typically during open enrollment periods.
Is there a vesting schedule for Flowserve's 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, Flowserve has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, which determines when employees fully own those contributions.
Can Flowserve employees access their 401(k) funds before retirement?
Flowserve employees may access their 401(k) funds before retirement under certain circumstances, such as hardship withdrawals or loans.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Flowserve Corporation offers a Defined Benefit Pension Plan known as the Flowserve Corporation Pension Plan, which is a traditional pension plan. This plan provides a monthly retirement benefit to participants based on a formula that takes into account years of service and compensation. The normal retirement age is typically the time when these benefits begin, and the plan follows a "cash balance" formula. This means that the benefits are calculated similarly to those in a defined contribution plan, with the accrued benefit expressed in terms like a single sum distribution amount (QDRO.com).
The Flowserve 401(k) plan is another retirement benefit available to employees. The plan includes matching contributions, with Flowserve matching 75% of the employee's contributions up to 6% of their salary. Employees can contribute both pre-tax and Roth contributions to the 401(k). Catch-up contributions are available for employees over the age of 50. In 2023, the contribution limit for individuals under 50 was $22,500, while those over 50 could contribute an additional $7,500
Restructuring: In February 2023, Flowserve announced significant management changes as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts. This restructuring is aligned with its strategy to diversify, decarbonize, and digitize operations. The restructuring included executive shifts and operational changes aimed at improving efficiency and meeting the company's long-term sustainability goals.
Benefits and 401(k) Changes: Flowserve continues to offer comprehensive benefits, including retirement planning options such as 401(k) plans. While no major changes have been announced for 2024, the company maintains a robust benefits package designed to support its employees' financial well-being.
Flowserve Corporation provides stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees as part of its equity compensation program. The specific stock options and RSUs available to Flowserve employees are designed to incentivize long-term commitment and align employee interests with company performance.
For stock options, Flowserve typically grants options that allow employees to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, usually set at the market price on the grant date. These options generally vest over several years, meaning employees must remain with the company for a specific period before they can exercise the options. The company uses the acronym "ESOs" (Employee Stock Options) to refer to this program.
Regarding RSUs, Flowserve awards these units as a form of deferred compensation. RSUs do not require employees to purchase the stock; instead, the units are converted into actual shares once they vest, which occurs over a set period or upon meeting specific performance targets. These RSUs are often part of a broader performance-based incentive structure, ensuring that employees contribute to the company’s growth and success over the long term. The acronym "RSU" is used for Restricted Stock Units in Flowserve's compensation documents.
Flowserve provides a comprehensive range of health benefits designed to support the physical, mental, and financial well-being of its employees. The health benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA). The company also offers short- and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and parental leave. Some of the healthcare-related terms associated with Flowserve include FSA, HSA, and AD&D (Accidental Death & Dismemberment) insurance. Benefits may vary depending on location and collective bargaining agreements
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