Legal & General has launched a service for employees of its group protection customers.

It is designed to help them better understand how to access care for their elderly relatives as well as plan ahead for their own future.

The new Care Concierge service, which is delivered by Legal & General’s Health & Care team, will help employees gain a better understanding of all aspects of the care process; find the appropriate care package for their loved-ones’ needs — whether at home or in a residential or nursing setting; and provide appropriate funding advice for the care package chosen.

As part of the new service, Legal & General has also launched a dedicated online hub, which will help users navigate their way through the care journey and provide advice around a number of key issues, including housing, means testing, care provision and funding.

All employees of Legal & General’s group protection customers and their close family will have access to the Guidance level service at no extra cost. This incorporates a range of support, including a 30-minute telephone consultation; assistance with care planning, guidance on typical care costs and the local authority funding available; and care guides tailored to their particular situation. If required, they can also access premium concierge services at discounted rates, which could provide a higher level of support.

Dr. Sam Roberts, managing director of health and care, Legal & General Retail Retirement, said: “Knowing what care you, or a family member, needs isn’t easy, but our Care Concierge service helps people understand, find and fund the care options available to them. As well as a range of digital tools, it provides a personal telephone service, so depending on the level of support available, you can speak to the same person throughout your journey, whether it be at a point of crisis or just looking to plan ahead.”

James Walker, head of product and proposition of group protection, Legal & General, added: “The ‘sandwich generation’ is under increasing pressure due to caring for elderly parents and dependent children while holding down a full or part-time job. It’s frequently the case that something has to give, and this is often the job either through absence or resignation — estimates show that 2.6 million employees have left employment due to a caring role. Giving the employees of our group protection customers access to Legal & General’s new Care Concierge service will help these people by providing a range of support and advice so they can traverse the complicated landscape of elderly care. In turn, this could help reduce absence, improve retention and allow employers to benefit from a more engaged and productive workforce.”