Balancing Caregiving and Work

Balancing Caregiving and Work

By Abbie Vogt, MS, CMC, PAC-C, CSA

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 relatives’) and make specific requests for their help. If that doesn’t lift some of the 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 time in your schedule for self-care – ideally, something every day, even if it’s just 20 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 may also find benefits in networking with coworkers.
• Know your rights. If your workplace has 50 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.

CONSIDER WORKING WITH A PROFESSIONAL

Sometimes, the best way to reduce the demands of caregiving is to bring in a professional. Aging Life Care Managers® are trained professionals who help older adults and their families navigate the many challenges of aging and care. They can assess your loved one’s needs, coordinate medical and other services, help manage care transitions, connect you with trusted resources, and serve as an ongoing advocate for your family member. Having a professional who can coordinate the details and provide guidance can give family caregivers greater peace of mind while allowing them to focus on their work, their families, and their own well-being.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO IT ALONE

Balancing Caregiving and Work is challenging, but you do not have to manage it alone. By communicating openly, asking for support, planning ahead, and taking care of yourself, you can create a more sustainable approach to caregiving. Remember, asking for help is not a sign that you are falling short. It is an important part of balancing caregiving with your own well-being, work, and the other responsibilities that matter to you.

This article was originally published in the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce  and was reprinted with permission.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Abbie Vogt, MS, CMC, PAC-C, CSA, is an Advanced Professional Member of the Aging Life Care Association®. She is the owner and senior director of a•bridge: Aging Life Care™ Management. She earned her master’s degree in Gerontology in 2010 and has been a Care Manager Certified (CMC) professional since 2013. Abbie is also a Certified Senior Advisor and a Teepa Snow PAC® Independent Consultant. With decades of experience in aging services, including hospice, assisted living, dementia care, nonprofit, and home care administration, Abbie brings a creative, flexible approach to helping individuals and families navigate complex care needs.