Tips for Balancing Work and Caring for an Elderly Parent
Managing your career while also taking care of an elderly parent isn't an easy task. According to a 2017 survey, it is estimated that approximately 47% of employees try to balance between paid employment and being a part-time caregiver for either an ailing or elderly relative. In addition, 26% of employed caregivers risk losing their jobs as their employers are not pleased with their performance, according to a Working Caregiver Survey. This can take a toll on anyone, as it can be both physically and financially draining at times. It can get even more challenging if you have a full-time job, which is equally demanding. However, no matter how tight your schedule is, caring for an elderly parent isn't something to be ignored. If unable to personally handle the situation, never shy from seeking professional help. Below are tips to guide you through.
5 Tips for Balancing Work and Caregiving
If you are wondering how to juggle your career and taking care of an elderly parent, here are 5 tips to guide you through.
Talk to Your Employer
It is important that you let your employer know your situation, and then work together to find a workable plan. Even though you want to demonstrate commitment to your work, sometimes it gets tough, and you may not offer your best. If possible, you can create a work plan that is flexible enough, to help you manage both work and caregiving. This can include a plan to work from home, or even adjusting your working hours.
Have a Back-Up Plan
If you work full time, and your job is a bit demanding, you can talk to a colleague at work to step in for you when the schedule becomes tighter. It is also important to have an alternative in case you are held up by some issues and are unable to offer help. You can also plan to hire a professional caregiver to offer respite care to your loved one at the comfort of your home. Such a professional can step in for you in the event that you are held up at your workplace, or need to do some personal errands. At Senior Helpers Baltimore, we can offer you a helping hand, and help you get through the challenges with ease.
Create Some Little Time for Yourself
Even with the pressure mounting on you, never forget that you are equally important. It is normal to feel overwhelmed. To avoid caregiver burnout, it is important that you get adequate sleep and also eat well. This gives you the strength to soldier on and be more responsible. Take some time off and unwind. Do not bury your head in your work and caregiving responsibilities, and end up forgetting your health. You can even treat yourself to a day out, and enjoy some different environment.
Adhere to Safety Measures and Precautions
As a responsible and caring caregiver, always ensure that you take precautions to safeguard your loved ones from contracting infections that are otherwise preventable. During this Covid-19 pandemic, purpose to protect the elderly, as they are the most vulnerable. Follow guidelines as provided by the authorities, to ensure that everyone is safe.
Draft a Work-Caregiving Schedule
For a successful task ahead, ensure that you draft a schedule that will help you plan for your day. To avoid overburdening yourself, you can reschedule tasks that take up too much of your time, and perform them during your personal time. Dedicate your office hours to work-related issues. You will eventually find that everything falls into place, and you won't have to suffer caregiver burnout.
Contact Us
At Senior Helpers Baltimore, we understand the challenges of juggling work and caregiving. Our experienced and compassionate staff will lend a hand and help you when you feel like giving up. Contact us today if you need specialized caregiving services for your elderly loved one, including companion care and chronic disease care. We will be glad to offer you the help you need.