Stretch your time and cover your bases
Over 40 million Americans are taking care of a loved one 50 or older. Approximately six in ten of them are doing it while also trying to earn a living. If you’re among them, here’s help.
Human Resources
- Ask your HR rep about company policies and programs to support caregivers. Many companies have a plan in place to help employees find community services, counseling, respite care, legal and financial assistance, and caregiver support groups. Others offer caregiving leave or flexible work arrangements.
- Some employers may not have a policy for employees who are also caregivers, but they may be open to the idea. AARP and Northeast Business Group on Health have developed a toolkit to help employers support their working caregivers. Share this toolkit with your employer to help them learn more.
- Employee assistance or your loved one’s insurance carrier might cover visits with a therapist specializing in caretaking or family issues. Sometimes one small thing can be a big help.
- Be prepared: Even within the same company, different managers may be more or less supportive.
Talk to Your Manager
If you work for a small company with no HR department, make an appointment with your boss. Be upfront about your caregiving responsibilities from the start. Most bosses value good employees and will work to keep them.
- Don’t go in with the idea that there is a single answer
- Present solutions that won’t cost the company money or time.
- Flextime and telecommuting are accepted practices in many offices.
- Employers may be more likely to agree if you suggest a trial period that could be continued if successful.
- Be ready to compromise. A flexible schedule might not be possible, but your company may be willing to change your schedule, let you work from home one day a week, or pay for respite care when you travel for work.
- If your supervisor lets you work from home, make sure you are always accessible by phone and email. Respond quickly.
- Attend meetings from home by conference call or Skype. If Skyping, find a quiet room where you won’t be interrupted, and dress as you would at the office.
- Check in regularly to make sure the arrangement is working for all sides.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Under the Family and Medical Leave Act, eligible workers are entitled to unpaid leave for up to 12 weeks per year without losing job security or health benefits, to care for a spouse, child or parent who has a serious health condition.
- Companies that employ fewer than 50 people are exempt from FMLA.
- To qualify, you must have worked for the company for at least 1,250 hours in the last 12 months. Check with your HR department to see if you qualify. The company is required by law to tell you your rights under FMLA and, if you qualify, offer you leave. Employers may not threaten you or make your work life difficult because you requested a leave.
- You may take the 12 weeks of leave all at once or in pieces — for example, three days twice a month when a parent is receiving chemotherapy. When your leave is up, you must return to work to protect your job.
- Under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), employees taking time off to care for a disabled parent or spouse are entitled to the same treatment as coworkers who take time off to care for disabled children.
- The ADA also gives you protection if you lose your job or are harassed.
- Some states have laws similar, but not identical, to the federal FMLA. They may provide different benefits.
If no law applies, your employer is not required to give you time off or make any accommodations.
Look Close to Home
Investigate and participate in your local caregiving community. An adult day care program is good for socialization and structure, and has activities designed to maintain or strengthen skills. It may help you to talk to others who are facing the same issues. You also may be able to find people with whom you can have a mutual backup agreement or share a part-time caregiver.
Plan Appointments
Minimize the time you take away from your job. Schedule your loved one’s doctor and therapy appointments early in the morning or at the end of the day.
Don’t Abuse Work Time
If you have to check in with your loved one, make doctor appointments or do related research, do it during your lunch break.
Stay Organized
Manage your time efficiently. Set priorities. Tackle the most important items first. When you are stretched between two obligations, it’s easy to forget something.
- Keep focused by using two to-do lists — one for caregiving and one for work.
- Put obligations for both caregiving and work on a single calendar.
- Delegate at work and at home.
Show Appreciation
Assume your coworkers may be pitching in to assist with the workload when you’re not in the office. Thank them now, and — when you are able — volunteer to help colleagues who are facing similar situations.