Listen to the podcast: Working and Caregiving
Written by: Patricia Bartlett

You’ve been at your job for eight years, and it looks like that promotion may come your way soon. But, you’re worried that your caregiving duties for your parents are taking more and more time.

You’re worried about how caregiving is affecting your performance at work.Last week you left work early twice and this week you came in late. But you can’t afford to leave your job. As you struggle to balance the demands of working and caring of your parents, you wonder if you’re the only one doing this.

Take heart. A study conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons or AARP reveals that nearly 22 million American workers are caregivers for their parents or other elderly family member.

Some workers find the demands of taking care of their loved ones and working at the same time too great and they give up their paying job. Others, fearing for their job security, are reluctant to tell their supervisors about their care giving responsibilities.

But, many employers are willing to help. They may be able to refer you to community programs for respite care, legal assistance or case management. A few employers offer financial help for adult day care, paid leave for caregiver activities, job sharing, or flex time. The family medical and leave act gives eligible workers unpaid leave for family care giving without loss of job security. You’ll need to check into any restrictions that apply to you such as the size of the company; and how long you’ve worked there. Don’t be afraid to ask… you may find the help you need for the balance you’re seeking.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM.If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Resources

AARP Caregiving is a Second Job for Many
AARP Caregiving Research
Medline Plus Caregivers

eldercare, seniors, AARP, caregivers, FAR