Over 41 million Americans provided some type of care to someone aged 50 or older. As the population ages, this number is expected to increase.
Whether it’s emotional, physical, or financial support, caregiving while you’re working is a juggling act.
If your parents are married (and not necessarily to each other), their spouse may be providing caregiving.
However, if your parent lives alone, you may have that responsibility.
Are you providing care for your aging parent?
If you’re juggling work and caregiving, take action now before you burn out.
Use technology, resources, and your network to help you navigate the demands of caregiving.
Explore these eight suggestions to better juggle work and caregiving.
1- Review your parent’s health care insurance to identify which services may be covered. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover at-home services and improvements such as grab bars.
2- Install cameras so you can easily check in on your parent while you’re at work. This action will alleviate you from bolting out of the office or becoming frustrated in traffic when there is no true emergency.
3- Get to know your parent’s neighbors. They may be able to check in on your parent, especially if you travel often for work.
4- Explore organizations that offer caregiving assistance, for example Family Care Navigator.
5- If you can’t attend doctor’s appointments, ask your parent to call you when they meet with their doctor. If they have a smartphone, show them how to access a video call.
6- Review the resources your employer may offer for caregiving. Depending on the size of your employer, discounted rates may be available for adult day care or in-home care.
7- Ask other family members to help, including your kids.
8- Help your parent develop a daily schedule to combat loneliness, especially if they’re not accustomed to living alone.
If caregiving becomes too demanding, can you afford to take a leave of absence, reduce your workload, or stop working?
Discuss options with your employer. Together, you may find a solution to help juggle work and caregiving.
(Update to original post from December 25, 2019)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA®, RICP®, is a Managing Director at Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, and retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”