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Home care is a growing need for American families. About 66 million adult Americans perform an average of 19 hours a week of caregiving duties for loved ones. Add that to a fulltime job and a family, and you have about 30 percent of adults who miss an average of seven days of work a year to help with elderly care responsibilities. Before getting worn out or frustrated, consider these points to manage your home care responsibilities. Talk to your employer. Many caregivers hide their home care responsibilities from their employers, but employers will have a better understanding of your circumstances and the use of your vacation and sick days if they know what you are facing. The Family and Medical Leave Act, entitles caregivers up to 12 weeks of paid time off, and the Parental and Serious Illness Leave Policy, entitles caregivers up to two weeks of paid leave. Not all employers will be equally understanding, but discrimination against family caregivers is unlawful. Ask about flexible hours. If you cannot take time off, ask your employer if you can work from home or alter your work hours so you can accommodate your loved one’s home care needs. Take time for yourself. While your time is stretched between work, caregiving and your own family, make sure you spend at least a few minutes a day just for yourself. Take time to just sit and relax, go for a run or read a book. Take time for your family. Even if it is just one dinner a week where you are all together, set aside time that you spend with just your family. Be present; no work talk, no caregiving talk. Put your health first. No, it is not selfish. If you are not well, how will you be able to take care of anyone else? Find support. Talk to your siblings or find a support group for elderly care providers. Other caregivers probably experience the same stress you do and reaching out could help you both. Ask for help. Look for transportation or home care services in your area. Talk to your siblings or other family members about taking on some of the responsibilities so you can take a break. When they get involved, it will not only help you, but they will better understand and appreciate how hard you work. Home care services are available nationally from professional elderly care providers like ComForcare Home Care. Home care specialists work with you and your family to create a care program that meets the needs of your loved ones and works for your financial situation and support needs. About ComForcare Home Care ComForcare is a premier provider of private-duty home care services to people of all ages with offices conveniently located nationwide. Each location provides professional caregivers who make life easier for those coping with a chronic medical condition, recovering from an illness or injury, or dealing with the challenges of aging – in the comfort of their own home. ComForcare offers elderly care services including personal care, homemaking, transportation, companionship and family respite services to improve the quality of life and level of independence for every individual and family receiving its home care services. Each ComForcare office is independently owned and operated. ComForcare Home Care 2510 Telegraph Road, Suite 100 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 248-745-9700 http://www.comforcare.com
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