Caregiver in Catasauqua PA
Besides the countless hours family caregivers spend aiding their elder parent or relative, many also have full-time jobs outside of helping their loved one. In fact, according to AARP, 25.5 million Americans are dealing with the stress of juggling their careers with their caregiving responsibilities. Instead of quietly trying to do it all, many employers have policies that could benefit the family caregiver as long as they are willing to talk to them. There are laws that companies are obligated to follow, so by doing some research and knowing the facts, the caregiver does not need to do it all alone.
The Responsibilities of the Employer
A large number of family caregivers take care of their aging loved one who is getting in-home care without getting paid. Because of this, they have no choice but to keep their day jobs. Fortunately, there are some ways the employer can help.
Talk to Human Resources
Find out what company policies and leave options are available by discussing all possible options with human resources. Also, ask about the Family and Medical Leave Act, which gives employees the option of taking twelve workweeks of unpaid leave during a 12-month period.
The Law Requires the Employer to be Sympathetic
Supervisors are trained to be sympathetic and understanding with caregiving employees. There are also laws available that require the employee to not discriminate against these employees, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act. For example, employers cannot refuse to promote an employee just because of his or her additional caregiving responsibilities.
Ask for Flexible Hours
In some cases, the ability to adjust work hours is possible, such as telecommuting, working part-time, or working earlier or later in the day. Speak with the supervisor to find out if having a more flexible schedule is available to them.
Support Groups
Some larger companies provide their employees with support groups that will allow caregivers to talk about the stresses, frustrations, and feelings they have about caring for their aging loved one. These companies may coordinate with other community support groups or through hospitals.
Offer Suggestions
If the caregiver has thought up ideas that will allow them to do their job and take care of their loved one easier, these ideas should be presented to the supervisor. They may be able to accommodate these ideas, allowing the employee to easily balance their work and caregiving responsibilities.
What Can the Caregiver Do
While there are several things companies may be able to do for employees who also have the weight of taking care of a senior family member on their shoulders, there are some things that the caregiver should consider doing to lighten their load.
Delegate Responsibilities
Talk to other family members or friends to see if they can help take on the responsibilities of caring for a loved one who is receiving elder care.
Support Groups
Even if their company does not provide support groups, finding ones in the community can be extremely beneficial to caregivers. It will allow them to meet others who are going through the same challenges and will allow them to find out how they have been able to balance their work and caregiving responsibilities.
Being a family caregiver can be extremely rewarding, but for the 70 million unpaid caregivers, it can be stressful to handle their careers with aiding in the care of their loved one. These tips will enable them to do it all with the help of their employer.
If you are considering hiring caregiver services in Catasauqua, PA, contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care of Allentown. Call today at (610)200-6097.
Source
Family Caregiver Alliance. “Work and Eldercare.” December 13, 2013.
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