Becoming a family caregiver doesn’t mean you have to give up your current job. It’s important to maintain as much of your normal routine as possible because it can help you prevent depression, isolation, resentment, and caregiver burnout. Here are some of the ways you can balance work with your caregiving duties.
Be Proactive
Being proactive can prevent panic attacks, high blood pressure, and stress related to your job and your caregiving duties. Develop a schedule and make sure to stick to it. The schedule should be tailored to your availability. For example, if you’re responsible for taking your loved one to doctor appointments, schedule those appointments after work, during your lunch hour, or on your days off. Always create a contingency plan for those days when you need to be out of the office.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality home care, Columbia Assisting Hands Home Care can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.
Understand Your Limits
Setting emotional and physical boundaries can enhance your mood and simplify the caregiving process. Never take on more duties than you can handle. If your coworkers ask you to stay late to help with their work but you need to get home to tend to your caregiving tasks, it’s okay to say no. Knowing your limits may make it easier to balance your work and caregiving tasks, giving you more time to focus on self-care and prevent burnout.
Family caregivers sometimes need a break from their caregiving responsibilities. When they need respite care, Columbia families can rely on professional caregivers to help their senior loved ones remain safe at home.
Consider Telecommuting
Telecommuting allows you to work from home or any other location other than your office building. Ask your employer if telecommuting is an option, whether it’s in your employee handbook or not. After explaining your situation, your supervisor may make an exception. In other cases, your employer may allow you to telecommute a few days each week or for months at a time.
Ask for Help
Don’t take on all the caregiving responsibilities alone. Always ask other family members and close friends for help. Make sure to delegate as many of your caregiving duties as possible so you can free up time for your job and personal obligations. If you need more assistance, hire an in-home caregiver to lighten the load for your family. When you ask for help or hire a caregiver, you can spend more time working and less time worrying about your loved one’s safety.
Families who need help caring for a senior loved one can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation.
