Caregiving is often a tightrope walk for family caregivers, and the dual role of managing job responsibilities outside the home while providing care to senior loved ones can lead to caregiver burnout. Handling tasks like bathing, dressing, administering medications, and other activities that the senior may struggle with due to age or chronic health conditions, can make the family caregiver’s role demanding and essential.

• According to a 2023 American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) report, 40% of caregivers cite the emotional stress of caregiving and work as their biggest challenges.
• Almost 40% of caregivers report that they seldom or never have time to relax.
• Over 50% of caregivers feel that their responsibilities make it challenging to prioritize their mental health.
• Another study in 2020 highlights that high job demands, such as workload and work-family conflict, significantly contribute to caregiver strain.

With some simple management tips, caregivers can create a fulfilling experience for themselves and their loved ones without sacrificing their well-being or career aspirations.

 

Challenges of Balancing Work and Caregiving

• Time management: Balancing work and caregiving can be tricky, as work hours rarely align with medical appointments or the daily needs of seniors, creating conflicting demands on attention, availability and energy.
• Isolation: Many caregivers feel alone in their struggles, unsure of how to communicate their needs without burdening others.
• Emotional toll: Caregivers often feel guilty when work takes priority over personal care tasks, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
• Financial pressures: Taking time off from jobs to keep doctor appointments or taking time off to stay home with a loved one who isn’t feeling well can take its toll on finances.

 Tips for Managing Work and Home Responsibilities

• Create a daily schedule: Outline tasks for work and caregiving duties to allocate your time effectively. Time management apps and tools can assist in coordinating caregiving tasks with other responsibilities.
• Prioritize your to-do list: Base it on urgency and importance, identifying tasks you can delegate or postpone to free up time.
• Communicate with your employer: As a family caregiver, you should not hesitate to discuss your commitments with your employer and request flexibility, as many companies now understand the challenges of caregivers.
• Utilize technology: with technological advances, apps for reminders, grocery shopping, or meal planning to streamline tasks and save time can help caregivers prioritize senior health and work balance.
• Seek support: Request help from home healthcare professionals or community resources focused on senior care.

 

Balancing work and home life as a family caregiver requires ongoing adjustments, patience, and practice. Getting help from home healthcare services can ease some burdens. Prioritizing your health as a family caregiver enhances your quality of life and the lives of the seniors you are caring for. Let this be your reminder: you are not alone, and every step forward is a step towards a better balance. You can always seek help.

Allcare Home Health offers non-skilled and skilled nursing services in the Raleigh/Durham area.  Our experienced CNAs and Nurses are available 24/7 to assist with your home health needs.  Call us today to schedule an in-home assessment.  (919) 301-0236.

 

Reference:

• Deirdre van Dyk, (2019, October 21). Caregiver burnout: Tips to prevent and manage stress. AARP. Updated October 13, 2023.
• Reinhard, S. C., Given, B., Petlick, N. H., & Bemis, A. (2008). Supporting family caregivers in providing care. Patient safety and quality: An evidence-based handbook for nurses.