How Can Family Caregivers Get the Support They Need When They Also Work?
Sixty-two percent of family caregivers who care for someone 50 or older are still employed. On average, those men and women work an average of 35.8 hours per week. A large percentage of family caregivers work a minimum of 40 hours a week.
When you’re a family caregiver who is also working part-time or full-time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Where do you turn for the support you need?
Ask Other Family Members to Help
Companion Care at Home Springfield, VA: Balancing Caregiving
Don’t feel that you have to hide how overwhelmed you’re feeling. If you need help, get used to asking for it. People can’t help out if they’re unaware of your demanding daily schedule.
Reach out to other family members and be sure they know you’re feeling overwhelmed. If they’re aware you need help, they’re more likely to offer it. Let them know when you’re busiest and what your parents’ care needs are. Once you know who is willing to help, create a schedule to help everyone keep track of the things they can do and what days they’re with your mom and dad.
Talk to Your Supervisor or Human Resources Department
You may qualify for FMLA. In most cases, this is unpaid coverage, but it allows you to take a few weeks off to care for your parent. If that would help ease your burden, it’s worth looking into FMLA benefits and what you’re qualified for.
It also helps your management to understand your situation. You might learn that your company is willing to adjust your hours to fit your needs better. They might allow you to work from home more often to ensure your parents aren’t alone all day.
Learn to Schedule Everything
Create daily schedules and stick to them. Prioritize your day, and make sure the things you have to get done are at the top of your list. Your mom and dad showered yesterday, so that won’t be a priority today. Keeping the meeting with an important client is urgent, so you can’t forget.
When you run out of time in the day, the things that weren’t priorities are the things you want to have left. They can be completed another day, or arrange to have your brother or sister take over things that you don’t personally need to complete.
Hire Companion Care at Home Aides to Help Out
Don’t lose sight of the things you need to do for yourself. If you work full-time, you can’t ignore your work responsibilities to be with your parents all day and night. Companion care at home services step in while you’re taking care of the other things on your to-do list. Talk to an expert in companion care at home to make arrangements.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Companion Care at Home in Springfield, VA please contact the caring staff at Thrive Health Care Services today. (703) 992-0484
Sources:
https://www.caregiving.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AARP1340_RR_Caregiving50Plus_508.pdf