When you’re a family caregiver who also has a full-time job, it can be difficult to strike the perfect work-life balance. While many employers have policies in place to assist new parents, it’s rarer to encounter an employer with supportive policies for family caregivers. Nonetheless, there are many things you and your employer can do to make your life easier. 

1. Be Upfront about Your Situation

If you aren’t striking the right balance between home life and work life, try to be upfront about the demands of caregiving. Your employer might not understand what caregiving entails, they may have no idea how many caregiving tasks you fit into your daily schedule and they may have no appreciation of the potential for caregiver burnout. If your employer has a comprehensive understanding of your needs, he or she is more likely to listen when you need to take a day off, schedule doctor’s appointments in the break room, or make a pharmacy run during your lunch hour. 

Family caregivers who have difficulty providing care for their senior loved ones while managing their work should consider hiring professional caregivers. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated in-home care, you can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, light housekeeping, bathing, and exercise.

2. Consider Flexible Work Schedules

It’s easier than ever to get office work done at home. If a 9-to-5 schedule isn’t essential to your job duties, ask your employer about alternative work arrangements. You may be able to telecommute one or two days per week, which would enable you to spend more time at home with your loved one. 

3. Designate a Space of Your Own

Many caregiving tasks need to be done during office hours. When you need to schedule appointments, call in prescription refills, and contact insurance representatives, you usually have to call between 9 and 5. If you frequently find yourself making furtive care-related phone calls at your office, let your employer know.

If you don’t have an office of your own, ask for permission to use a specific room for your caregiving calls. You’ll have the quiet and privacy you need, and you won’t feel like you have to sneak around to make important phone calls. 

4. Create an Emergency Plan

Caregivers need to be prepared for emergency situations. Devise a plan of action detailing what you’ll do if an emergency occurs while you’re at work. Figure out who to call if your loved one needs help at a moment’s notice—neighbors, family members, and friends from church are good options. You should also prepare your coworkers, who may need to step in and cover for you if you have to leave unexpectedly. Make sure to discuss your plan with your employer. When your employer is more informed about your situation, he or she may be more willing to accommodate your needs. 

Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional home care in South Orange County, CA.  Family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Assisting Hands® Dana Point. Our caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.

5. Ask About Employer-Sponsored Resources

While employer-sponsored caregiver assistance isn’t as prevalent as maternity leave, some companies have policies and resources in place to assist caregivers. Your employer may be able to give you referrals to home care companies that can support you with respite care, or they may be able to direct you to nurse advisors, and/or aging agencies. These resources can help you create a care plan that makes better use of your work time and your home time. Caring for a loved one while balancing a job and other responsibilities can be incredibly challenging. Family caregivers should consider hiring professional caregivers to assist with their caregiving responsibilities. When considering home care service, South Orange County, CA families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.

Assisting Hands® Dana Point, a California based, State Licensed, non-medical, home care agency, can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging.  We service the cities of Dana Point, San Clemente, Capistrano Beach, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Mission Viejo and Ladera Ranch. If you or a loved one is in need of in home care, please call (949) 426-7300 for additional information or to schedule an in-home consultation or click “Schedule a Free Consultation” to submit your request online.