Latest news with #springtime
Forbes
25-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The $157 Billion Caregiving Crisis Employers Can No Longer Ignore
Picture of a happy elderly woman with her cheerful carer outdoor springtime The caregiving industry stands at a critical crossroads. While millions of families grapple daily with the emotional and logistical weight of caregiving, employers are only beginning to recognize the toll it takes on their workforce. Caregiving is not just a family issue, it's a silent but looming crisis for the workplace. And with the U.S. population rapidly aging, this challenge is set to grow exponentially. By 2034, the United States will see a major demographic shift, with the number of people over 65 surpassing those under 18. This shift raises a red flag, particularly for organizations, as employees increasingly find themselves part of the sandwich generation juggling responsibilities for both aging parents and children. Without proactive solutions, families and employers alike risk being overwhelmed. Fortunately, care entrepreneurs like Seth Sternberg, co-founder and CEO of Honor Technology, are leading the charge to reimagine caregiving through innovation, personalization, and a renewed focus on dignity. Honor, along with its consumer brand Home Instead, is pioneering a new model for aging care. Sternberg's vision offers valuable lessons not only for families but also for employers, policymakers, and anyone invested in building a future where care is accessible, scalable, and humane. A Personal Motivation For Sternberg, Honor Technology was born out of a deeply personal moment. During a visit to his mother, he noticed a subtle change in her behavior. 'Driving had become harder for her,' Seth explained. It was a small detail but a powerful signal that his mother might soon need additional support. That single observation sparked a realization about the broader challenges faced by aging adults and their families. Despite a fast-growing aging population, Sternberg observed that technology and innovation had largely ignored this demographic. There were few scalable solutions for aging in place, a preference shared by 93% of older adults. Sternberg, already a seasoned entrepreneur with tech successes like Meebo (acquired by Google) under his belt, saw an opportunity. He envisioned not only improving care for seniors but also uplifting the caregivers who are vital to the system. Honor was founded with a bold ambition to make aging at home simpler, safer, and more supportive for everyone involved. The Caregiving Industry's Challenges The caregiving industry is currently valued at $153.7 billion in the United States. Yet, it remains one of the most fragmented and under-supported industries. Thousands of small, independent agencies operate across the country, often without consistent standards or resources. This lack of coordination leads to significant disparities in care quality. Adding to this, unpaid family caregiving in the U.S. is valued at an estimated $873.5 billion annually, which is equivalent to 3.2% of the U.S. GDP. This staggering figure underscores the immense economic contribution of family caregivers, who often sacrifice their own financial stability and well-being to provide care. For families, navigating this fragmented system can be maddening. Stories of caregivers failing to show up or mismatched pairings abound. Worse still, many families face prohibitively high costs, with limited public funding available for non-medical home care. For employers, the crisis manifests as hidden losses in productivity, increased turnover, and absenteeism. Sternberg explains that approximately one in five employees is simultaneously supporting an aging parent. These caregivers are often emotionally burned out, physically exhausted, and juggling significant financial strain. Meanwhile, employers, who rarely offer caregiving-related benefits, are losing valuable workers who feel forced to exit the workforce entirely. Redefining Care Through Personalization At the heart of Honor's approach is a commitment to personalization, enabled by technology. Traditional caregiving models struggle to accommodate the unique needs of individuals, often relying on generic matching processes. Honor solves this problem by integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) directly into its operations. 'AI is the ultimate personalization engine,' says Sternberg. By analyzing factors such as care needs, personal preferences, and family dynamics, Honor's Care Platform ensures that caregivers (or as they call them, 'Care Pros') are matched with the right clients. For example, while one Care Pro might be perfect for Mrs. Smith, they might not align with Mr. Jones' needs. Honor's technology accounts for these nuances, learning from every interaction to improve outcomes. The benefits extend beyond better matches. Honor's technology also plays a critical role in managing logistics, like replacing caregivers who call out at the last minute. Families are notified of changes and kept informed about the care being delivered, fostering trust and transparency. Employers Must Take Action For employers, the caregiving crisis presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Left unaddressed, caregiving demands will continue to drain productivity and increase turnover. But with the right support systems, businesses can position themselves as leaders in employee well-being. Sternberg highlights that many employers already offer childcare benefits. Extending similar benefits to support elder care is a logical next step. Options like respite care, financial assistance for caregiving expenses, or partnerships with providers like Honor Technology can make a profound difference. 'There's a silent crisis happening right now,' Sternberg explains. 'Employers are losing talented, hardworking people because caregiving responsibilities become untenable. Offering concrete solutions is not just the right thing to do, but it's also a smart business decision. Retaining employees is cheaper than replacing them and providing the support they need builds loyalty and productivity.' A New Vision for Aging in Place The broader implications of Honor's work extend well beyond corporate America. With only 4% of older adults living in senior communities, 90% of seniors prefer to age in place according AARP's Home and Community Preferences Survey. Yet, many households are woefully unprepared to meet the challenges this entails. Mobility issues, cognitive decline, and logistical barriers like grocery delivery or medication schedules can quickly snowball into crises. Honor's long-term vision is to build a caregiving infrastructure that not only adapts to these challenges but anticipates them. The integration of smart home devices, remote monitoring, and AI-driven care plans could drastically reduce costs and improve accessibility. For example, wearable tech integrated into Honor's existing systems could allow for real-time health monitoring, reducing the need for constant physical supervision. Combining technology with compassionate human touch, Honor aims to redefine what it means to age with dignity. Transforming the Workforce One often-overlooked element of caregiving is the workforce itself. Caregivers, or Care Pros, are the largest workforce in the U.S., yet their jobs are often undervalued and unstable. High turnover, low wages, and irregular hours have long plagued the industry. Honor is tackling these challenges head-on. From day one, the company has focused on treating caregivers as professionals. They're provided with training, consistent schedules, and tools that offer stabilization. More than just a rebranding exercise, this focus on 'Care for the Care Pro' creates better experiences for workers and, by extension, for the families they support. Sternberg sums it up perfectly: 'If you take care of the caregivers, they can take care of the clients. It's a simple concept, but one that's been ignored for too long.' What Employers Can Learn from Honor The lessons from Honor's approach aren't just for caregiving companies. Every business can benefit from adopting a more empathetic, holistic view of employee needs. For organizations preparing for the challenges of 2034 and beyond, caregiving benefits should be as standard as health insurance or 401(k) plans. Whether through financial subsidies, flexible work arrangements, or direct partnerships with care providers, investing in caregiving benefits is an investment in the future. Supporting employees in their caregiving journeys reduces stress and enhances productivity. Most importantly, it builds the kind of loyalty that no salary increase can match. A Call to Action The caregiving crisis is not a far-off problem. It's here, woven into the fabric of family life and workplace culture. The solutions, however, are within reach. By combining innovation with compassion, we can create systems that support not just aging adults but the generations who care for them. For families, businesses, and society at large, the stakes couldn't be higher. Caregiving should not be a burden borne in silence. It's time to recognize its impact, invest in innovation, and build a future where aging is met with dignity, purpose, and support for every individual involved. Note: I've personally navigated the complex and often overwhelming challenges of caregiving, for my father during his final years and now for my mother. May this article inspire you to take proactive steps to explore options and prepare for the care your parents deserve, with compassion and foresight.
Forbes
25-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The $157B Caregiving Crisis Employers Can No Longer Ignore
Picture of a happy elderly woman with her cheerful carer outdoor springtime The caregiving industry stands at a critical crossroads. While millions of families grapple daily with the emotional and logistical weight of caregiving, employers are only beginning to recognize the toll it takes on their workforce. Caregiving is not just a family issue, it's a silent but looming crisis for the workplace. And with the U.S. population rapidly aging, this challenge is set to grow exponentially. By 2034, the United States will see a major demographic shift, with the number of people over 65 surpassing those under 18. This shift raises a red flag, particularly for organizations, as employees increasingly find themselves part of the sandwich generation juggling responsibilities for both aging parents and children. Without proactive solutions, families and employers alike risk being overwhelmed. Fortunately, care entrepreneurs like Seth Sternberg, co-founder and CEO of Honor Technology, are leading the charge to reimagine caregiving through innovation, personalization, and a renewed focus on dignity. Honor, along with its consumer brand Home Instead, is pioneering a new model for aging care. Sternberg's vision offers valuable lessons not only for families but also for employers, policymakers, and anyone invested in building a future where care is accessible, scalable, and humane. A Personal Motivation For Sternberg, Honor Technology was born out of a deeply personal moment. During a visit to his mother, he noticed a subtle change in her behavior. 'Driving had become harder for her,' Seth explained. It was a small detail but a powerful signal that his mother might soon need additional support. That single observation sparked a realization about the broader challenges faced by aging adults and their families. Despite a fast-growing aging population, Sternberg observed that technology and innovation had largely ignored this demographic. There were few scalable solutions for aging in place, a preference shared by 93% of older adults. Sternberg, already a seasoned entrepreneur with tech successes like Meebo (acquired by Google) under his belt, saw an opportunity. He envisioned not only improving care for seniors but also uplifting the caregivers who are vital to the system. Honor was founded with a bold ambition to make aging at home simpler, safer, and more supportive for everyone involved. The Caregiving Industry's Challenges The caregiving industry is currently valued at $153.7 billion in the United States. Yet, it remains one of the most fragmented and under-supported industries. Thousands of small, independent agencies operate across the country, often without consistent standards or resources. This lack of coordination leads to significant disparities in care quality. Adding to this, unpaid family caregiving in the U.S. is valued at an estimated $873.5 billion annually, which is equivalent to 3.2% of the U.S. GDP. This staggering figure underscores the immense economic contribution of family caregivers, who often sacrifice their own financial stability and well-being to provide care. For families, navigating this fragmented system can be maddening. Stories of caregivers failing to show up or mismatched pairings abound. Worse still, many families face prohibitively high costs, with limited public funding available for non-medical home care. For employers, the crisis manifests as hidden losses in productivity, increased turnover, and absenteeism. Sternberg explains that approximately one in five employees is simultaneously supporting an aging parent. These caregivers are often emotionally burned out, physically exhausted, and juggling significant financial strain. Meanwhile, employers, who rarely offer caregiving-related benefits, are losing valuable workers who feel forced to exit the workforce entirely. Redefining Care Through Personalization At the heart of Honor's approach is a commitment to personalization, enabled by technology. Traditional caregiving models struggle to accommodate the unique needs of individuals, often relying on generic matching processes. Honor solves this problem by integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) directly into its operations. 'AI is the ultimate personalization engine,' says Sternberg. By analyzing factors such as care needs, personal preferences, and family dynamics, Honor's Care Platform ensures that caregivers (or as they call them, 'Care Pros') are matched with the right clients. For example, while one Care Pro might be perfect for Mrs. Smith, they might not align with Mr. Jones' needs. Honor's technology accounts for these nuances, learning from every interaction to improve outcomes. The benefits extend beyond better matches. Honor's technology also plays a critical role in managing logistics, like replacing caregivers who call out at the last minute. Families are notified of changes and kept informed about the care being delivered, fostering trust and transparency. Employers Must Take Action For employers, the caregiving crisis presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Left unaddressed, caregiving demands will continue to drain productivity and increase turnover. But with the right support systems, businesses can position themselves as leaders in employee well-being. Sternberg highlights that many employers already offer childcare benefits. Extending similar benefits to support elder care is a logical next step. Options like respite care, financial assistance for caregiving expenses, or partnerships with providers like Honor Technology can make a profound difference. 'There's a silent crisis happening right now,' Sternberg explains. 'Employers are losing talented, hardworking people because caregiving responsibilities become untenable. Offering concrete solutions is not just the right thing to do, but it's also a smart business decision. Retaining employees is cheaper than replacing them and providing the support they need builds loyalty and productivity.' A New Vision for Aging in Place The broader implications of Honor's work extend well beyond corporate America. With only 4% of older adults living in senior communities, 90% of seniors prefer to age in place according AARP's Home and Community Preferences Survey. Yet, many households are woefully unprepared to meet the challenges this entails. Mobility issues, cognitive decline, and logistical barriers like grocery delivery or medication schedules can quickly snowball into crises. Honor's long-term vision is to build a caregiving infrastructure that not only adapts to these challenges but anticipates them. The integration of smart home devices, remote monitoring, and AI-driven care plans could drastically reduce costs and improve accessibility. For example, wearable tech integrated into Honor's existing systems could allow for real-time health monitoring, reducing the need for constant physical supervision. Combining technology with compassionate human touch, Honor aims to redefine what it means to age with dignity. Transforming the Workforce One often-overlooked element of caregiving is the workforce itself. Caregivers, or Care Pros, are the largest workforce in the U.S., yet their jobs are often undervalued and unstable. High turnover, low wages, and irregular hours have long plagued the industry. Honor is tackling these challenges head-on. From day one, the company has focused on treating caregivers as professionals. They're provided with training, consistent schedules, and tools that offer stabilization. More than just a rebranding exercise, this focus on 'Care for the Care Pro' creates better experiences for workers and, by extension, for the families they support. Sternberg sums it up perfectly: 'If you take care of the caregivers, they can take care of the clients. It's a simple concept, but one that's been ignored for too long.' What Employers Can Learn from Honor The lessons from Honor's approach aren't just for caregiving companies. Every business can benefit from adopting a more empathetic, holistic view of employee needs. For organizations preparing for the challenges of 2034 and beyond, caregiving benefits should be as standard as health insurance or 401(k) plans. Whether through financial subsidies, flexible work arrangements, or direct partnerships with care providers, investing in caregiving benefits is an investment in the future. Supporting employees in their caregiving journeys reduces stress and enhances productivity. Most importantly, it builds the kind of loyalty that no salary increase can match. A Call to Action The caregiving crisis is not a far-off problem. It's here, woven into the fabric of family life and workplace culture. The solutions, however, are within reach. By combining innovation with compassion, we can create systems that support not just aging adults but the generations who care for them. For families, businesses, and society at large, the stakes couldn't be higher. Caregiving should not be a burden borne in silence. It's time to recognize its impact, invest in innovation, and build a future where aging is met with dignity, purpose, and support for every individual I've personally navigated the complex and often overwhelming challenges of caregiving, for my father during his final years and now for my mother. May this article inspire you to take proactive steps to explore options and prepare for the care your parents deserve, with compassion and foresight.
Daily Mail
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Gigi Hadid stuns fans with rare snaps of daughter Khai, 4, after close bond with Bradley Cooper's child revealed
On Wednesday night, Gigi Hadid shared rare snaps of her four-year-old daughter Khai Malik enjoying springtime before summer officially begins this Friday. In one picture, the 30-year-old IMG Model's child appeared to be playing with her boyfriend Bradley Cooper 's eight-year-old daughter Lea De Seine Shayk Cooper in a stream. 'Lea is so sweet and gentle with Khai,' a source told People last month. Elsewhere in Gigi's Instagram slideshow, little Khai sported cowboy boots while feeding two American Pygmy goats carrots inside her family's $3.7M, 32-acre Carousel Farm property in New Hope, PA. Hadid's mini-me rocked a triple-braided ponytail while holding hands with her on a couch in another snap. Khai - whose name translates to 'crown' in Arabic - showed off how well she could spell her own initials on the condensed shower door in another candid photo. The little girl eagerly dug into a frosted mini-cupcake during a summer break celebration that also included two cookie 'cakes.' Fans might recall how much the Guest in Residence founder's mother Yolanda pressured her to only eat a tiny bite of the large cake at her own graduation party during a 2014 episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. But now as executive chef 'Mama' - Gigi (born Jelena) prepares Khai's breakfast menu with a choice of beverages and food options including pancakes, bacon, sausage, toast, Nutella French toast roll-ups, bagel with cream cheese, bread with 'Holland' cheese, and Overnight Oats. Instagram user @thesarcasticbrunette commented: 'The fact that Gigi's mum wouldn't even let her daughter have some cake to her feeding her own daughter whatever she wants is so wholesome!' 'She's [grown] up so fast!' Instagram user @_tyapr marveled. Instagram user @rupantyakid agreed: 'Khai has grown up so much! We love a queen that respects her children's privacy and safety.' Hadid and babydaddy Zayn Malik make sure to figure out their custody schedules 'months in advance.' The Havaianas collaborator told Vogue last March: 'We help each other out and have each other's backs.' Gigi ended their on/off six-year romance after the 32-year-old ex-1D boybander's 2021 altercation with her 61-year-old mother, for which he received 360-day probation and was ordered to complete anger management and domestic violence programs. 'There is the hard part of the world knowing this much, and thinking they know everything,' Hadid lamented. Fans might recall how much the Guest in Residence founder's mother Yolanda (L) pressured her to only eat a tiny bite of the large cake at her own graduation party during a 2014 episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 'She's [grown] up so fast!' Instagram user @_tyapr marveled Gigi ended their on/off six-year romance after the 32-year-old ex-1D boybander's 2021 altercation with her 61-year-old mother, for which he received 360-day probation and was ordered to complete anger management and domestic violence programs (pictured September 19) The half-Jordanian, half-Dutch American went Instagram official with the 50-year-old actor-director on May 3 in snaps from her birthday bash after nearly two years of dating (pictured last Friday) 'And at the end of the day, we're not interested in giving everyone our whole story. What we are interested in is raising our daughter together. With so much respect for each other, and not just as co-parents, but what we've been through together.' Meanwhile, Bradley and his ex-fiancée Irina Shayk - who employ no nannies - share 50/50 joint legal and physical custody of Lea following the end of their four-year romance in 2019. The half-Jordanian, half-Dutch American went Instagram official with the 50-year-old actor-director on May 3 in snaps from her birthday bash after nearly two years of dating.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Yahoo
Watch crews blow up huge boulder on Hwy. 120 near Yosemite to clear rocky road
The sound of springtime on Highway 120 near Yosemite National Park is boulders being blown to smithereens. 'Every spring in @caltransd9, our maintenance crews encounter large boulders on State Route 120 West near Yosemite that slid onto the road during winter,' Caltrans wrote in an Instagram post on Thursday. The video above shows road crews executing the detonations of RV-sized rocks from the roadway. 'This year we captured part of the extensive blasting process in what is just one of the many required steps to opening the roadway,' a caption with the video says. 'These state employees work tirelessly to ensure the roadway and entire canyon are clear of all unauthorized personnel and are a safe distance away before any detonation.' Tioga Road (Highway 120) reopened for the summer on May 26, according to and sierra mountain The route — which primarily connects the Sierra Nevada and Mono County to San Joaquin Valley and is known as a direct route to Yosemite National Park from the San Francisco Bay Area — was closed for the winter on Nov. 25.
Forbes
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Fashion Meets Wellness: Law Roach's Spring Essentials
What can't Law Roach do? The one and only image architect's passion for fashion and ironclad work ethic have undoubtedly catapulted him into a league of his own. We've seen his brilliance manifest in the form of luxurious red carpet looks worn by his high-profile clientele, namely Zendaya. The world has also witnessed the expansion of his creative genius via his book How to Build a Fashion Icon: Notes on Confidence from the World's Only Image Architect and stints on reality television shows like HBO's Legendary and RuPaul's Drag Race. Throughout his growing tapestry of professional endeavors, the Chicago native has continued to impart the knowledge he's picked up along his life's journey, and his latest partnership with healthcare brand ZYRTEC® is no different. This collaboration finds the two teaming up to showcase how those who suffer from seasonal allergies, like himself, can combat their allergies while still enjoying springtime with the help of the allergy relief brand. 'What excited me about this partnership is that it's authentic and something that I feel has helped improve my quality of life, to be quite honest. Especially as someone from the Midwest, where we experience all four seasons, we suffer through the winter to be excited by the spring. You can't have that excitement if you are the sniffy, sneezy friend. It's helped me overcome something I've dealt with since I was younger, something I really didn't understand, that I fought against taking medicine for. It has become an essential that's always next to me and in my bag, and especially for travel and when I'm working with clients.' Oftentimes, people associate the spring season with warmer weather, pastel colors, and, of course, all things floral. While ZYRTEC® is Law's latest style accessory of the season, when it comes to fashion, the only accessory he's excited to see folks flaunt is that of happiness. 'I just want to see people happy, and whatever that means, you're wearing. Whether that's florals, bloomcore, bright colors, white, or neutrals, whatever it is, I just want to see happiness and smiles on people's faces. I just want to see people enjoying life and being happy. It wasn't that long ago when we were all stuck in the house and couldn't be outside and enjoy each other's company. ZYRTEC® is helping me and others like me become free of those things, where we can just enjoy being outside and around people to fellowship, have fun with our friends, and enjoy the fashion.' As with any season, Spring ushers in a variety of memories to fondly look back on. When reflecting on his favorite look, which he's styled for one of his clients and incorporates the aspects of springtime, he's brought back to Zendaya's ensemble at the premiere of the 2017 film The Greatest Showman in Australia. Styled in a Butterfly-themed dress from Moschino's Spring 2018 collection, the actress's jaw-dropping look remains one of his fondest memories of the season. 'We were at the premiere in Australia for The Greatest Showman, and Zendaya was wearing this Moschino dress that looked like a monarch butterfly. As she was doing an interview, a real butterfly came and gently sat on top of her head, and it was the most surreal, serene moment. That's what I think about when I think of springtime: the weather changing, the blooms, being out, being beautiful, and feeling beautiful. That's my fondest memory of this time of year and that feeling.' From viral moments on the red carpet to prolific ensembles that tell stories within themselves, Law Roach's impact and influence on the fabric of popular culture continue to shape culture as we know it. As he continues to inspire the world through his gifts, it's worth noting that the influence of his upbringing continues to be the foundation for the image architect whose ascendancy knows no bounds. 'When I think about growing up, it was all about simple things. It was all about denim, white T-shirts, and white sneakers, and just being out and feeling put together but also relaxed. Being from Chicago, I come from a place where fashion is a huge part of the culture. I remember seeing my parents, aunts, and uncles getting dressed up at night to go out and watching that process of women getting their hair done and putting on makeup and men putting on a jacket and tying their shoes. All those things really stick out to me because I had five uncles, and I used to watch them do that. My grandmothers played such a big part in my upbringing and my world, putting me in this world of fashion.'
