Providing care for an aging loved one can be challenging and stressful. Many family caregivers also work outside the home, and it can become overwhelming trying to achieve a comfortable work/life balance. 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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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