How to Balance Caregiving, Work and other Obligations

Providing care for an aging loved one can be challenging and stressful. It can become overwhelming trying to balance caregiving, work and other obligations yet so essential to maintain a comfortable work/life balance without too much stress.

Balancing Caregiving

Caregivers generally take on several significant roles:

• scheduling appointments,
• providing emotional support,
• helping with medications,
• managing finances,
• providing meals, and
• keeping the home clean and safe.

If you are having trouble balancing caregiving, work, and other responsibilities there are some approaches you can take to ease the strain and lighten the burden.

Employer Policies and Programs

Look through your employee manual and speak with your human resources department to explore options. Talk to your manager to find out if your company has policies in place or benefits available to help you manage work and caregiving. 

You can find out if you are able to access:

Flex time 

If your company allows flex time, your employee handbook should define it. Typically, there are core hours you must be at work, and then you create your schedule around those hours.

Job sharing  

When two people work part-time to share a job that is normally held by one full-time employee.

Telecommuting 

If your job permits it, telecommuting allows you to work from another location, such as your home or your loved one’s home.

Employee assistance programs 

These programs can help employees deal with challenges that may affect their work and often include referrals to services in the community.

Don’t be afraid to sit down with your supervisor or human resources representative to discuss your situation. Think about your company’s policies and what supports you might want to pursue to help you better manage your responsibilities. Full disclosure about your situation often opens doors to new ideas or possibilities you may not have realized were available.

The Government of Canada  has a PDF with Tips on Balancing Work and Caregiving Responsibilities that may be helpful.

Getting Assistance

You may be doing everything you can do to balance work and caregiving, but it still may seem unmanageable to handle alone. Here are some potential options to consider:

• Adult Day Centres – These centres offer social activities in a safe environment. They often provide personal care, medical care, transportation, and meals.
• Referral services – There are many local and provincial agencies on aging that can help you find programs and services in your area. You can also ask your loved one’s doctor for referrals or speak to a social worker about providing support and advocacy.
• Discussion with family – Find out if other family members are willing to pitch in to lighten the load. If you need help with certain tasks, you can address those first to see if they fit with other family members’ interests and skill sets.
• In-Home Care Assistance – Professional home caregivers can offer respite care assistance to fill in whenever needed. Home care providers are able to deliver personal and hygiene care, medication management, housekeeping assistance, and much more. Home caregivers offer ongoing physical, mental, and emotional support for better health.

Periodic Breaks are Necessary

All caregivers must take time for themselves for enjoyment and relaxation. Take time to sleep, go for coffee with a friend, and eat some healthy meals. Maintaining your own mental and physical health is crucial to avoiding burnout or compassion fatigue while balancing work and caregiving responsibilities.

In-Home Support with Promyse Home Care

One of the pillars of our comprehensive services is Home Support and household help, where we take care of everyday tasks. These services are designed to enhance the overall well-being of seniors, allowing them to maintain independence, receive tailored care, and age gracefully in a familiar environment. Services are tailored to individual needs, ensuring that seniors receive the specific assistance required for their unique circumstances. Home support can be adapted based on changing needs, offering flexibility as seniors navigate different stages of aging.

When you need a break from all the obligations involved in working and caring for a senior loved one, you may want to consider our Companion Care Service. Our companion care services focus on fostering genuine connections, emotional well-being, social engagement and overall happiness.

From sharing laughter over a cup of tea to engaging in heartfelt conversations, our companions create an environment where seniors feel valued and understood.