- Evaluate available resources, including potential government benefits.
- Consider hiring home care services for your elderly parent.
- Have an open conversation with your employer about your caregiving responsibilities.
- Prioritize self-care to reduce stress levels and improve physical/mental well-being.
- Develop a plan and schedule to manage both your job and caregiving duties.
Taking care of your aging parents while juggling a full-time job can be difficult. It can drain your energy and finances, especially if you lack the right resources or knowledge.
However, with the right mindset, planning, and support, it is possible to balance caring for an elderly parent while maintaining a career. Here are some tips and tricks on managing both responsibilities without sacrificing your physical or mental well-being.
Evaluate your resources
Before making any plans, evaluate what resources you have available. This could include siblings, family friends, or community services. Evaluate if hiring a caregiver or your parent needs to be enrolled in a senior daycare program is possible. These resources will act as a support system and help relieve some of your burden.
In addition, check if you’re eligible for any benefits or discounts that can help with the costs of caring for your parent. These could include bereavement benefits, long-term care insurance, or government assistance.
Hire Home Care Services
As caring for elderly parents can become a juggling act when you have a full-time job, hiring home care services can be of immense help. Not only will you have peace of mind knowing your parents are in the hands of trained professionals, but you will also be able to focus on your work without any interruptions.
These services offer many options, from personal care and home health to companion care and housekeeping. Depending on your parent’s needs, you can choose the services that best suit them. In addition, this can also provide socialization and companionship for your parents, which is crucial for their mental health and well-being.
Communicate with your employer
Having an open conversation with your employer about your caregiving responsibilities is essential. Discuss the possibility of a flexible work schedule, such as part-time work, working from home, or job-sharing. Employers understand the importance of caregiving, especially for aging parents, and should be willing to work with you.
They need to know that you are capable and willing to do your job but may need some extra support in order to do so. Don’t hesitate to request help if you feel overwhelmed or need resources.
Self-care is important
Caring for an elderly parent and managing a full-time job can be stressful, making it essential to prioritize self-care. Take breaks, meditate, or try some alone time doing activities like reading or walking. Not only will this help reduce stress, but it will improve your mental and physical well-being.
Manage your time efficiently
Balancing work and eldercare isn’t easy, but it is possible. Proper planning and efficient time management are essential. Here are some ways to manage your time efficiently when caring for elderly parents while working full-time.
Make a schedule
Creating a schedule is one of the best ways to manage your time effectively. Write down your work-related and personal responsibilities, and then add eldercare tasks such as doctor’s appointments, medication administration, and meals.
You could also use apps on your phone to keep track of all these responsibilities. Create a system where you can track who’s responsible for what during the day. With the plan in place, you’ll know what needs to be done and when.
Prioritize your tasks
Your priority should be taking care of your parent’s needs, but you still need to attend to other responsibilities. Prioritize your tasks. Determine which ones you need to do first, what ones can wait, and what to address next. Try to finish the most urgent ones first so you won’t feel overwhelmed later.
Seek help from family and friends
If you have siblings or other family members nearby, you can assign some of the responsibilities to them. Ask them to help with some eldercare tasks, such as running errands or taking your parents to appointments, while you’re at work. Alternatively, you can ask close friends to help or hire a caregiver while away.
Consider Flexible Work Arrangements
Many companies offer flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting, flexible hours, or job sharing. Discuss with your supervisor to see if an option is available to you. This arrangement allows you to work around your parents’ schedule and complete responsibilities as needed.
Final Thoughts
Managing a job and caregiving for an elderly parent can be overwhelming, but it is possible. Remember to evaluate your resources, manage your time efficiently, communicate with your employer, take care of yourself, and seek expert advice. By following these tips, you can ensure that your career and caregiving responsibilities run smoothly, reducing stress, improving your well-being, and improving the quality of life for your aging parent.