Can You Be a Caregiver and Still Keep Your Job?

For many caregivers, there is a very valid concern that they may not be able to continue to care for an elderly family member and still maintain their job. There may be ways for you to create a better balance.

Home Care Services in East Hampton NY: Caregiver Work-Life Balance

Talk to Your Employer

The first step that you need to take is to talk with your employer directly about what’s going on. Your employer may be able to give you some ideas and some resources to help you balance everything you’re managing. At the very least, you can start to put a plan together.

Look for Ways to Make Your Current Job More Flexible

Depending on the type of work that you do, you may have ways to bring more flexibility to your current job. You may be able to work different hours, for instance, or you might be able to work from home. Work with your employer to figure out how much flexibility you can locate.

Keep Paperwork Organized

There is likely to be a great deal of paperwork associated with whatever options are available to you. Whether you’re taking time away under the Family and Medical Leave Act or you’re using the time off that you have accrued, there is usually some sort of paper trail to manage. You may have to keep on top of who needs what paperwork by when, which can be a huge task all on its own.

Find out What Other Benefits You Can Tap Into

Your employer or even other agencies in the area can offer you specific benefits and help that can assist you with your work and life balance. It can be tricky to find these benefits, though. Your employer may have an Employee Assistance Program, which is an excellent first step in locating these resources and benefits. If your company doesn’t have access to this type of program, talk with your senior’s doctor about other potential resources.

Hire Senior Care Providers to Help with Caregiving

Some positions just don’t offer the flexibility that you need. That is where hiring senior care providers can come in for you. They can handle the daily caregiving tasks that you’re not able to be there to handle. Even if you are able to be home with your senior more often, having someone there to provide respite care allows you to take some time just for you.

The bottom line is that every situation is different. You’re going to need to explore what opportunities are available to you through your employer and through other agencies in your area. The more help that you can line up, the easier it will be for you to balance this delicate issue.

If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care Services in East Hampton, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.