Caring for our elderly parents while working and juggling the demands of our personal lives is a reality for over a million people. Imagine living in Philadelphia and working about 30 km away. It can be hard to quickly get back home to take care of your elderly parents. We all know that it’s a delicate dance between ensuring our loved ones are well-cared for and not losing sight of our own health and career aspirations.
But as family dynamics shift towards more multi-generational living arrangements, the need for a balanced routine becomes even more critical. But fear not, finding that sweet spot where everyone’s needs are met is possible, and we’re here to guide you through it.
In this discussion, we’ll share some insightful tips and strategies to help you create a fulfilling routine that supports both you and your elderly parents.
Let’s go through this together, aiming for a life where care and career can coexist together.
1. Manage the Day-to-Day
Creating and sticking to a routine can help balance your work and caregiving responsibilities. Try to keep your job and caregiving tasks separate. Handle care-related calls and medical appointments on your own time, not during work hours. You can save the more demanding tasks when you’re home.
Also, plan your non-health-related tasks, like grocery shopping, for specific times, such as Saturday mornings, instead of doing them at irregular intervals. You can also use scheduling apps to share your plans with others who might be able to help, making it easier for everyone to pitch in when needed.
2. Look For a Home Care Provider
Caring for aging parents and working can be incredibly demanding, impacting both your personal life and career. It’s important to be prepared, organized, and aware of the resources available to you to strike a balance.
Sounds daunting, right? Worry not! This is where home care agencies step in as a supportive solution, offering expert care for your loved ones.
So, what do these agencies offer? They usually help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, meal prep, and managing medications. Luckily, finding the right one is now easy with a quick online search. For example, in Philadelphia, you can use the keyword “home health care in Philadelphia” to find reliable homecare services. You can share your requirements with them, and they will look for the best possible plan.
It can be stressful finding the right care for a loved one; however, if you use services like Care.com, where they match carers with the right families, you can rest easily knowing you are going to have the right carer for your loved one.
With such support, you can manage your work and caregiving responsibilities at the same time.
3. Talk to Your Employer
If the demands of your job make it challenging to check in on your elderly parents, it’s essential to communicate with your employer. Discuss potential solutions, such as adjusting your work hours or telecommuting.
Before the conversation, outline your responsibilities and contributions to guide the discussion toward practical solutions. Additionally, reach out to your HR manager to explore available assistance options, like personal days or support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
In addition, government programs like the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may also offer resources to help manage family responsibilities without jeopardizing your job security. So you must act accordingly and to your convenience when it comes to family.
4. Have a Contingency Plan
Arrange with a coworker to step in if you need to leave work suddenly to care for your aging parent or loved one. Additionally, plan ahead at home by outlining an alternative care strategy. You can do this by informing relatives, friends, or neighbors of what needs to be done if you become sick or are unable to care for your loved one.
Taking these proactive steps ensures that both your work and caregiving responsibilities are taken care of in unexpected situations. It will provide you with peace of mind and stability.
5. Practice Safety Measures
Ensure everyone in your household adheres to proper personal hygiene and follows recommended guidelines, primarily if the person you’re caring for resides with you. Illness, particularly the flu in an elderly parent, can pose serious risks.
Remember, if you fall ill, it affects your ability to provide care and your work life. Caring for aging parents and working won’t be an option if you are too sick to follow through.
By prioritizing safety measures within your home, you safeguard the health of your loved one. You also maintain your own well-being this way.
6. Prioritize Self-Care
Prioritizing your well-being to maintain a balance between work and life is important. Remember, neglecting your health can hamper your ability to care for loved ones effectively. Include self-care habits like exercise, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet to prevent fatigue and illness.
Take regular breaks throughout the day, whether at work or home, to prevent burnout. These moments of relaxation are essential for rejuvenating your mind and body, allowing you to fulfill your responsibilities both at work and as a caregiver more effectively.
Quick Recap: Aging Parents and Working
Well, by implementing the strategies outlined and seeking support when needed, balancing caregiving for aging parents with your career demands can be challenging. But by following these tips and taking care of yourself, you can manage both roles effectively. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and prioritize your well-being along the way.
