Sixty percent of family caregivers report that they balance caring for someone else and their job of 40 hours a week or more.
Of those family caregivers, almost 7 out of 10 care for an aging parent. Balancing both caregiving tasks and a full- or part-time job causes a strain on personal relationships and finances.
To avoid quitting a job or distancing yourself from friends and family members, you need to learn how to balance work and caregiving. It’s not always easy, but it is possible if you take time to plan things so that all aspects of your life get attention.
Work With Family Members
Get other members of the family to help your parents, too. If a team of you are splitting up chores, it makes it easier for everyone. Your parents don’t go without the help they need, but you’re not using up every free hour helping out.
The free spreadsheet software you get on Google Drive is easy to set up and make it easy for others to add information. Create a spreadsheet for each day and break down the help your parents need. People can go through and sign up for days/times that they’re free.
Accept help if it’s offered. If you haven’t thought about family members helping out and they offer, don’t say no out of politeness. They wouldn’t have offered if they didn’t want to help.
Help Your Parents to Help Themselves
Go over the things your parents ask to have help completing and see why. If it’s simply they don’t enjoy something but can do it, you shouldn’t have to drop everything to help.
For example, your dad has grown tired of getting out his riding mower and mowing the lawn. He still drives and is capable of mowing though. If he really doesn’t want to mow, even though he can, he needs to start paying a landscaper. Don’t take on mowing unless he’s not physically able to mow anymore.
Make Sure Your Boss Knows
Talk to your boss about your parents and ask to have FMLA paperwork just in case. FMLA allows you a certain number of unpaid days off to help aging parents with medical needs. It won’t cover everything, but it’s better than putting your job at risk.
If your boss is understanding, you may be given the chance to work from home one day a week. On that day, you could work from your parents’ house and do laundry in between your work duties. You could pay bills or order groceries and prescription refills during your lunch break.
Arrange Senior Care Services
Senior care services are essential. Spend the week focused on your work. On one of the weekend days or on a day off, you can help your parents with weekly chores like laundry or grocery shopping. Call a senior care representative to learn more about services and pricing.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Senior Care in Gold Canyon, AZ, or anywhere in the East Valley, please contact the caring staff at Legacy Home Care.
Call (480) 777-0070
Sources:
Legacy Home Care has been serving the valley since 2007. We are family owned and operated with over 75 caregivers. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as: Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans' Home Care program.
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