Staying on top of your job while caring for an aging loved one can feel like a nonstop juggling act. The push and pull of duties and commitments at home and work may leave you stretched thin and worried about dropping a critical ball. You are not alone. A recent AARP and S&P Global survey found that 67% of family caregivers are struggling to manage both work and care. Here are some strategies for how you can best manage—and thrive, not just survive—in this seemingly intractable situation.
At home
Seek support. List your loved one’s needs. Identify tasks that realistically can be delegated. Contact family members and friends (yours or your relative’s) and make specific requests for their help. If that doesn’t lift some load, consider hiring help. Ask those family members who are unable to provide hands-on support to chip in to cover the cost of care.
Prepare for the unexpected. Health emergencies and other challenges will occur! Keep your relative’s medical, legal, and financial papers in order. Make a list of trusted helpers who can address home maintenance or technology problems for your family member. Having up-to-date records avoids last-minute panic and fretful decision making.
Care for yourself. Block out self-care time in your schedule. Ideally, something every day—even if it’s just twenty minutes of walking, soaking in the tub, or playing with a pet. Whatever it is that replenishes you, do it!
At work
Advise your workplace. Be open with your employer about your caregiving role. Ask for flexibility in your hours or in working remotely. Is there a schedule that better meets your needs? Come in later, perhaps, or take a long break at lunchtime?
Inform your colleagues. That way, there’s no misperception of your commitment. You might also find benefits in networking with coworkers.
Know your rights. If your workplace has fifty or more employees, you may qualify for job-protected leave through the Family and Medical Leave Act. Ask your employer. Also, the Americans with Disabilities Act protects you from discrimination, such as being passed up for a promotion, because you are caring for a relative.
Take a step back and see what you can leverage at home and at work to relieve your stress.
Are you feeling stretched thin?
As the Delaware, and Delaware and Chester Counties in PA experts in family caregiving, we at Delaware Palliative know what a struggle it is to balance work obligations with caring for an aging loved one. We have the experience and resources to step in and take tasks off your plate. We can make referrals to trusted professionals to address specific needs and overall coordinate your relative’s care. Give us a call at 302-478-5707.
