How To Effectively Have Rights As A Working Caregiver

Your Rights as a Working Caregiver

As a working caregiver, you have rights. However, are you someone with an older family member you look after but also working on the side? Perhaps you currently work full-time in an office but need to leave from time to time to take care of your loved one. Sometimes it may feel like you are abandoning your responsibilities at work or your obligations to your relative. This is a tricky balancing act to handle. If this sounds like you, here are some things you should review.

Employers’ Role for the working caregiver

As a working caregiver, know that your employer cannot discriminate against you for being the caregiver of a family member. As noted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), caring for an elderly loved one is the inverse of childcare. Meaning, in that responsibilities, generally increase over time as a senior’s health condition worsens. It is also much more unpredictable, and unforeseen events tend to occur with little warning. As a working caregiver, you will likely spend more time caring for the person you love. And this could create conflicts at work. In addition, according to the EEOC, an increasing number of Americans are working caregivers for elderly family members. And this will only trend upward as the Baby Boomer population gets older.

Benefits and policies for the working caregiver

Look into the current benefits and policies of your employer. Some companies offer help to working caregivers taking care of their family members. This sometimes includes assistance finding resources, subsidized backup care, flexible schedules, or counseling. You can speak with your Human Resources department to learn about these benefits.

Medical Leave Act for the working caregiver

Furthermore, read up on the Family and Medical Leave Act. The FMLA dictates that eligible employees of covered employers can take unpaid leave job-guaranteed leave for various family or medical reasons. This leave should not cut your health insurance coverage if you receive group coverage through your employer. Also, the FMLA says that employees may use twelve work weeks of rest in one year. You can use this to care for a spouse, child, or parent with a severe health condition.

Communicating with the employer

Communicating with your employer is critical. This is a priority to maintaining the balance between work and caregiving for your loved one. You may need to explain your loved one’s current debilitations. Also, explain how they affect your schedule and how you will have to leave work in response to a crisis. Ask your employer how you should discuss this issue with your coworkers. They may be able to assist you with work responsibilities when you are responding to an emergency. See if your coworkers are in a similar role as a working caregiver with a family member. Ask them about how they handle crises when they occur and if they have any advice for you.

Do not hesitate to ask for help.

Being a working caregiver can be rewarding for you and your loved one, but you may need help from family and friends. Ask for help when you need it. You can always look for professionals in your area with the knowledge to help you manage your caregiving duties. Create boundaries and limits with your family members—also, other care recipients about your availability while you are working. Perhaps you can be available during your lunch or have a half-day once in a while.

Have a backup plan as a working caregiver

Always have a backup plan for when things don’t go according to plan. Ask for feedback or advice from family members, a caregiving professional, or your support group about what you can do to help your loved one. Remember, you’re not the only one in this boat, so even when it seems impossible, remember that you have options.

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Conclusion

As a working caregiver, life can be tuff. But following these tips and suggestions will help. For more help as a caregiver, check out this post on caregiver burnout.

Author’s bio

Jacob Edward is the manager of Phoenix, Arizona-based companies https://www.seniorplanning.org/ and Prime Medical. Founded in 2007, Senior Planning has helped many Arizona seniors and their families navigate the complicated process of long-term care planning regarding finding senior living facilities.