August 4, 2015
If you’re one of the 40 million Americans providing care for an elderly parent while balancing a full-time job, there will be times you’ll need some work flexibility. And you’re not alone; 70 percent of caregivers find the need to make adjustments in the workplace as a result of caregiving duties. If your employer is one of many who haven’t yet embraced an eldercare-friendly work environment, try some of these suggestions to open the conversation. If you work in the St. Louis or St. Charles area, we’ll gladly speak to your employer about Continuum’s eldercare programs:
- Brush up on FMLA. The Family Medical Leave Act, although not applicable to all employers, provides for unpaid leaves of absence for family issues; and in some cases, the time off can be taken intermittently.
- Family Responsibility Discrimination. Increasingly more cities are implementing “family responsibility discrimination” laws.
- Join forces with coworkers. Pull together others in your organization who struggle with similar issues, and as a group, present a request for implementation of a flextime policy.
- Try an honest approach. Discuss the situation you’re facing openly and honestly with your manager to see if a compromise can be reached to allow for some flexibility in your work schedule.
- Look into the EAP. Your company’s EAP (Employee Assistance Program) may offer eldercare and other relevant resources.
As the 77 million Baby Boomers age, the need for companies to offer eldercare programs, flexible work schedules, and other amenities to attract and retain top quality employees will be magnified. And likewise, family caregivers in the workplace need to rely on the services of in-home caregivers to maintain a smooth balance between work and home. Reach more resources for the family caregiver in the workplace here.
If at any point, you need additional caregiving assistance and would like to introduce a caregiver into your loved one’s home, contact Continuum for professional St. Louis and St. Charles eldercare services. From meal preparation and light housekeeping to skilled nursing care and care planning—quality care is guaranteed. Call 314-863-9912 or 636-861-3336 to learn more.