What Kaiser Aluminum Employees Should Know About Caring for Aging Parents
Healthcare Provider Update: Offers health, dental, and vision insurance to employees working 30+ hours/week, along with wellness programs and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 1.
With ACA premiums expected to rise by up to 75% due to subsidy expirations, Kaiser Aluminums employer-sponsored coverage provides a more stable and cost-effective alternative for eligible employees.
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'Many Kaiser Aluminum 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 Kaiser Aluminum 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 Kaiser Aluminum 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. Kaiser Aluminum 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, Kaiser Aluminum 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 Kaiser Aluminum 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. Kaiser Aluminum 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 Kaiser Aluminum 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 Kaiser Aluminum 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 Kaiser Aluminum offer to its employees?
Kaiser Aluminum offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
Does Kaiser Aluminum provide matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Kaiser Aluminum provides matching contributions to the 401(k) plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Kaiser Aluminum's 401(k) plan?
Employees at Kaiser Aluminum are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, often within the first year of employment.
Can employees at Kaiser Aluminum choose how much to contribute to their 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees at Kaiser Aluminum can choose to contribute a percentage of their salary to the 401(k) plan, within IRS limits.
What investment options are available in Kaiser Aluminum's 401(k) plan?
Kaiser Aluminum's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.
Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in Kaiser Aluminum's 401(k) plan?
Yes, Kaiser Aluminum has a vesting schedule for employer matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched funds.
How can employees at Kaiser Aluminum access their 401(k) account information?
Employees at Kaiser Aluminum can access their 401(k) account information online through the plan's designated website or by contacting the plan administrator.
What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Kaiser Aluminum?
If an employee leaves Kaiser Aluminum, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Kaiser Aluminum plan, subject to certain conditions.
Are there loans available against the 401(k) plan at Kaiser Aluminum?
Yes, Kaiser Aluminum allows participants to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
Can employees at Kaiser Aluminum change their contribution levels at any time?
Yes, employees at Kaiser Aluminum can change their contribution levels at designated times throughout the year, as specified in the plan guidelines.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Name: Kaiser Aluminum Pension Plan
Eligibility: Employees typically qualify based on years of service and age. The standard eligibility criteria are often 5 years of service or reaching age 55.
Pension Formula: The pension formula is generally based on years of service and average salary. For Kaiser Aluminum, it is typically calculated using a defined benefit formula which considers years of service and average earnings.
Name: Kaiser Aluminum 401(k) Plan
Eligibility: Employees are usually eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of service, often 30 days of employment.
401(k) Plan Features: Includes employee contributions, employer matching contributions, and various investment options.
Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Kaiser Aluminum announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at optimizing its production capabilities. The company reported a reduction of 10% in its workforce across various departments. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and adjust to shifting market demands. This news is crucial to address due to the current economic environment, which has seen many companies in the metal industry adjusting their operations in response to fluctuating demand and cost pressures.
Kaiser Aluminum issued stock options and RSUs to executives and key employees. Options had a four-year vesting period with annual vesting, while RSUs aimed to align interests with long-term shareholder value. [Source: Kaiser Aluminum 2022 Annual Report, Page 34]
Health Benefits Overview: The company provides a comprehensive health benefits package to its employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They also offer wellness programs and resources for mental health support.
Recent Changes: For 2023, Kaiser Aluminum made adjustments to its health insurance plans, including increased premiums and a shift towards high-deductible health plans (HDHPs).
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