In the Caregiving in the US 2015 study by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, over 34 million Americans provided some type of care to someone aged 50 or older. As the population ages, it is expected this number will increase.
Whether it’s emotional, physical or financial support, caregiving while working is a juggling act.
Are you providing care to your aging parents?
If your parents are married (and not necessarily to each other), then their spouse may be providing caregiving duties. However, if your parent lives alone, you may have that responsibility.
If you are juggling work and caregiving, take action now before you burn out. Use technology and resources, as well as your network, to help you through the demands of caregiving.
Here are eight suggestions to explore:
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 are 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. Use the Family Care Navigator on caregiver.org (https://www.caregiver.org/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, there may be discounted rates 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 are 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.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA™, RICP®, CRPC®, is the Founder of 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 spending plans, comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, 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.’”