Westchester County business owners, executives, managers and workers often struggle trying to find balance between work and home responsibilities. Those that fall in the “sandwich generation,” typically qualified as those in their 30s or 40s, can find themselves with the unique role of bringing up their own dependent children while also caring for their aging parents, all on top of their career.
The challenges of caring for an aging or ailing loved one can impinge on the ability to get work done at the office. However, a combination of strategies, resources and support can help caregivers continue to focus on their work at the office while balancing the duties associated with caring for a loved one.
Make a schedule. Incorporate caregiving tasks into your daily routine. To map out a feasible daily or weekly schedule, add these duties to other professional responsibilities, such as meetings and events, so you can view all tasks at hand at once. Choose times for caregiving tasks that are least disruptive to your work schedule, such as early mornings for processing paperwork and midday for phone and email communication with a loved one”™s care team. Try to contact doctors in the early morning to give them time to get back to you during the day.
Set reasonable workday limits and boundaries. When possible, avoid scheduling work-related meetings at times designated for caregiving duties. You may want to even designate certain hours when you are unavailable except in the case of an emergency. Make sure that your support staff is aware of your availability for caregiver-related calls to aid with scheduling.
Have a back-up plan for work coverage. Developing emergency procedures as well as keeping an organized summary of client and project status will allow staff to keep the office running in your absence. Brief colleagues so they can fill in if an emergency pulls you away from the office unexpectedly. Store important files on a laptop or portable storage device that you can use while away from the office.
Delegate. It is likely that some of your daily tasks could be taken over by others, both at work and at home. Delegating appropriate tasks to colleagues and family members will leave you with additional time to dedicate to more productive tasks.
Communicate. Explain your situation to your boss, co-workers and employees, and even clients, where appropriate. Ask your boss for input and guidance on how best to handle work issues in the event of a caregiving emergency. Talk with co-workers who have gone through similar situations; they can often provide input and advice by relating their own experiences.
Know your rights. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission”™s  report, “Enforcement Guidance: Unlawful Disparate Treatment of Workers with Caregiving Responsibilities,” outlines employment rights that are protected under the federal Equal Employment Opportunity laws.
Know your loved one”™s rights. An older adult may be entitled to programs, services and benefits that relieve some of the cost and burden of care at home. The National Council on Aging Benefits Check-Up offers valuable information on such resources.
Research corporate benefits. The Family and Medical Leave Act entitles eligible workers who meet certain criteria unpaid leave ”” without the risk of losing a job or health benefits ”” for the purpose of family caregiving.
Keep a list of resources. Reach out to family members and friends who have offered to help. Identify community resources, including social workers, geriatric care experts and contacts at the hospital and other health care facilities.
Evaluate your financial options. In-home care such as hospice care, palliative care and nursing care may be more affordable and more comprehensive than unpaid leave from work. You may be able to work out a part-time schedule as a way to maintain an income stream and a connection to the office. Sit down with an accountant or social worker to discuss the impact of caregiving on your job, income and lifestyle. Despite your best intentions, you may not be able to make a commitment to long-term caregiving.
Be honest with yourself. Recognize when caregiving is adversely affecting your work. Take a step back to determine the best balance between work and caregiving and seek out the support you need to protect your own mental and physical well-being.
Mary K. Spengler is CEO of White Plains-based Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester, which provides comprehensive end-of-life care to Westchester County residents suffering from any serious or life-limiting illness. For additional information, visit hospiceofwestchester.com or call 914-682-1484.
