It can be challenging to meet your family caregiving responsibilities while holding down a full-time job. Family crises can get in the way of your job, and spending too much time at the office can lead to feelings of guilt. However, this continuous balancing act doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety. Here are five tips for juggling work and family caregiving.
1. Notify Your Boss
Some caregivers are wary of discussing their caregiving responsibilities with their bosses. However, notifying your employer about your specific family challenges is almost always a good idea. Your boss is likely to be more understanding if you come in late due to a family emergency, and he or she may be willing to negotiate about your weekly schedule.
If the nature of your job leaves little time for you to focus on your senior loved one’s health and wellbeing, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Home care Miami experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
2. Alter Your Hours
If your caregiving duties change or increase, you may have to alter your work schedule. There are several options your employer might agree to, such as reduced working hours. Instead of coming in five days a week, ask if you can cut back to four. If your caregiving responsibilities occur primarily in the morning, ask if you can come into work an hour later every day. If you change your work schedule, you may have to take a pay cut, but it could make juggling dual responsibilities much easier.
3. Work from Home
Thanks to modern technology, many jobs can now be done at home. If your employer is amenable, you may be able to telecommute rather than go into the office every day. Working from home allows caregivers to be there for their loved ones throughout the day while keeping up with their work duties. Telecommuting provides caregivers with the most flexibility, allowing them to take time out of their days to take their loved ones to the doctor or the pharmacy without compromising their work efficiency.
4. Seek Outside Services
For caregivers who still have to go to the office, outside services can be an invaluable resource. Look into the services available in your community. There may be an adult day care center that can accommodate your loved one during office hours. Look into nutritional support aides, counseling services, and meal programs. When in need, you can always seek the support of friends and family members who may be able to watch over your loved one every once in a while. In-home respite care is also an excellent choice.
Miami respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, home care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
5. Focus on One Task at a Time
Many caregivers with jobs try to multitask and end up ignoring their loved ones’ needs. Instead of trying to do everything at once, focus on one task at a time. When you’re at work, concentrate on work-related tasks. Use lunchtime and scheduled breaks for personal errands. When you’re at home, give your full attention to your caregiving responsibilities. Whatever you’re tackling, try to be present in the moment. Work gets done faster and better when it has your full focus. At the end of the day, try to take a few moments for yourself, because self-care is a key component of the caregiving process.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted at-home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. For reliable in-home care services, contact us today.
