Thursday, July 19, 2007

Tips for Employees with Aging Parents

There are millions of us (employees) in the working world who have aging parents or relatives. Not many employers offer programs or benefits that help us out. So, it's up to us to make that happen to maintain balance at work and with our family responsibilites!

Look for ways to negotiate with your employer to take time off to care for family while also remaining productive on the job. It's a tricky balancing act but it can be accomplished.

Find out if your employer must follow the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. If so, depending if your company has 50 or more employees, you're entitled to up to 12 weeks of umpaid time off annually to care for a parent with a serious health condition. Generally, that time can be taken in increments.

Find out if flexible arrangements are possible. These might include formal programs as well as informal agreements. The more you can make your work schedule fit your caring needs, the better off you will be.

Flexibility is vital for employees who are long-distance caregivers. Employees should find out if they can work remotely; work from the home of your aging relative when visiting or helping them, work on weekends to make up for loss time, or the evenings if necessary.

Other recommendations that help you plan for your parents' aging and caregiving help - get prepared now! Don't wait till there's a senior crisis and your left vulnerable. Also know there are quality services and resources that you can reach out for help.

For example, if you are long-distance or not, a good way to check up on mom & dad is to have security devices that either attach to them or placed around their home. Go to WorkingCaregiver.com - Caregiver Products to check out a few!

Always look for ways to balance your life and work. WorkingCaregiver.com is here to help!

Thank you for visiting. Carol at WorkingCaregiver.com

9 comments:

Kathy NC said...

Hello,

I am 37 and the primary caregiver for my 78 year old Dad who has Alzheimer's disease and lives with me in North Carolina. I realized that my Dad had severe dementia after my Mom passed away in 2004, and he moved in with me. We have a full time CNA home health aide, Katie, who stays with Dad while I work.

I have a full time job (now I am able to work from home most days. I am also working on developing a comprehensive website geared to help Caregivers.

When Dad first came to live with us, I thought my life was over. Then, I made a decision. We can let this ruin our lives, or we can fight. At our house, we use Razadyne, Namenda and laughter.

I am also writing a blog that shows the lighter side of caregiving, and offers tips for caregivers. It forces me to write down one funny thing about my life with Dad every single day. That is a very important part of making me a better caregiver.

I am committed to making sure my Dad will not suffer from Alzheimer's. And hopefully, those of us who love him will not either.

Thanks,
Kathy Hatfield

www.KnowItAlz.com
my caregiver blog

Anonymous said...

As a former caregiver (my mother had since passed) and an author in the field of caregiving (my book, MOTHERING MOTHER),I've heard some heartbreaking stories about people--both men and women who really struggle with caring for their parents and what that might mean to their careers. They can't afford to simply quit--nor would it necessarily be the right thing to do for everyone involved.

I agree--plan ahead.
Go ahead and interview some backup CNA's and other home health care professionals.
Find out about any time off you might have coming to you.
Don't talk about it too, too much at work--be savvy.
When you're at work, stay focused and professional. Other people (sad to say) will use this against you if you're not "in the game."
You really don't have to call home every hour--don't get your loved one used to this--it actually upsets their routine too. If you're concerned, get a nanny cam.
Stay on a good schedule--the aging (and especially those with Alzheimer's) do better with a tight routine--their mind might not remember, but their bodies do.

Remember you have needs too. Find little joys--a bath a night, your favorite tea--and alot of laughter.

It's tough, and my heart goes out to you. Know that a complete stranger is sending you good thoughts.

~Carol D. O'Dell
Author of MOTHERING MOTHER:A Daughter's Humorous and Heartbreaking Memoir, available at Amazon and in bookstores)

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