Asking for Help

Many individuals who provide family care also work. This may cause competing demands and distress to the caregiver. Work is a financial necessity and/or a source of satisfaction for many, yet the responsibilities of caregiving and doing well on the job often conflict with providing care. People who want to do both well can be caught in the middle.

The following tips present an overview of the issues for employees. This fact sheet offers ideas and resources that can help you manage your responsibilities efficiently and balance both the work and the caregiving roles more effectively.

How Can I Cope with Double Demands

· Look in the personnel manual of other human resources publication to find out your company's policy on caregivers. Does it offer benefits or services that could help with your situation?

· Talk with your work supervisor about your caregiving issues. It's better to know the reasons for your late arrivals or seeming preoccupation rather than to draw his or her own conclusions.

· Ask your employer if there is an employee assistance program and to explain what services are available.

· Ask your Human Resources or Personnel Department to give you information on the Family and Medical Leave Act. (This law entitles eligible workers a maximum of 12 weeks a year of unpaid leave for family caregiving without loss of job security or health benefits.) There are a variety of restrictions, however, such as company size and the amount of time the worker has been employed.

· Take advantage of flex-time policies if that would help your care situation.

· Offer to work a less desirable shift or be willing to make up time taken for caregiving by working days or shifts when most people want to be off.

· Check for information and referral resources in your agency.

· Consider job sharing or working part time if possible.

· Avoid mixing work with caregiving. Avoid interruptions and distractions at work from caregiving. If you need to make phone calls or search the internet for information related to your parent's needs, do it on a lunch break. Balance your roles more effectively.

· Manage your time. When you must take time off for caregiving, set priorities and accomplish the most important things first.

· Delegate responsibilities when you can. Pace yourself, as caregiver demands may extend over a prolonged period of time.

· Accept help when you need it. Consider community resources for yourself and for the person for whom you are caring.

· Get all the support you can from family members, friends and community resources.

· Take care of your own needs. Take a break when the pressure gets too great.

· Be sure to thank those at work for the consideration and assistance you receive.

· What should I report to my health care professional?

· Where can I get additional Information?

For More Information:

The Family Caregiver Alliance has information helpful to caregivers. Their Web site has a resource center that offers practical information.
URL: www.caregiver.org

The AARP Website - Caregiving Section
URL: http://www.aarp.org

The Family Care Research Program Website
URL: www.cancercare.msu.edu

Or contact Barbara Given, University Distinguished Professor, College of Nursing at bgiven@msu.edu, or 517-353-0306.