Balancing Work and Caregiving: Strategies That Actually Help

Have you ever had to cancel an important work meeting because it conflicted with your mom’s doctor’s appointment? Do you use your lunch hour to check on your dad and make sure he took his medication? If you answered “yes,” you are not alone. Juggling professional responsibilities with the needs of an aging loved one is a reality for millions, and finding a sustainable balance is critical.

This post will outline the challenges employed family caregivers face, share practical strategies for managing your dual roles, and explain how professional support can provide much-needed relief.

The Reality: One in Five Workers Is a Family Caregiver

The lines between professional life and personal responsibilities are increasingly blurred for a significant portion of the workforce. Research shows that one-in-five full-time workers is also a family caregiver, providing regular care for a relative or friend who is aging, has a serious illness, or lives with a disability.

“Caregiving can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be very challenging,” says Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “The responsibilities that come with caring for an aging loved one can take a heavy toll on a family caregiver’s physical and mental health, personal relationships and, in many cases, their job.”

How Caregiving Stress Shows Up at Work

The pressure of working while caring often leads to difficult choices and measurable impacts on job performance. A national survey sponsored by the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RIC), Working While Caring, highlights just how stressful this balancing act can be.

The study revealed that employed family caregivers frequently experience work-related disruptions:

• Needing to leave work early or take off for one or more days in a row.
• Feeling the quality or timeliness of their work suffered.
• Declining additional responsibilities or projects at work.
• Experiencing a loss of income due to their caregiving duties.

These challenges are not minor. The survey found that nearly two in ten employed family caregivers had to quit their job entirely, and more than four in ten had to reduce their hours to part-time because of their responsibilities at home.

What Employers Can Offer (And How to Ask)

Many employers are beginning to recognize the need for caregiver support. The RIC study noted that the most helpful benefits offered were flexible scheduling, remote work options, the ability to reduce hours, and access to specialized caregiver services.

If you are struggling, consider speaking with your supervisor or HR department. Frame the conversation around finding a solution that allows you to remain a productive employee while managing your family obligations. Be prepared to discuss options like adjusting your start and end times, working from home on certain days, or exploring policies like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Practical Ways to Balance Work and Caregiving at Home

Beyond workplace accommodations, simple strategies at home can make a significant difference in managing caregiver stress.

• Time-Block Your Calendar: Schedule medical appointments, medication reminders, and care-related tasks just as you would a work meeting. Batching errands into one trip can also save valuable time.
• Create a Shared Care Calendar: Use a digital tool like Google Calendar to coordinate with siblings, partners, or other family members. This keeps everyone informed and helps distribute tasks more evenly.
• Leverage Delivery and Telehealth: Reduce time spent on errands by using pharmacy delivery, grocery delivery, and telehealth services for routine medical consultations.
• Set Realistic Boundaries: It is okay to say “no.” Protect your own well-being by setting clear boundaries with your manager, family, and even your aging loved one about what you can realistically accomplish in a day.

When to Consider Professional Respite Care

Trying to do it all is a fast track to burnout. Professional respite care is designed to give you a break, allowing you to focus on your job, attend to other family needs, or simply rest and recharge.

“No one can do it all, and when you can’t be there, we can,” Goetz explains.

Respite care services are flexible and can be tailored to your specific needs. This can include:

• Transportation to appointments
• Meal preparation and light housekeeping
• Personal care and hygiene assistance
• Specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care
• Companionship and social engagement

How HCAN Supports Working Caregivers

At HomeCare Advocacy Network, we understand the challenges that come with balancing work and caregiving. We are here to be your partner in providing the best possible care for your loved one.

“Our trained professional caregivers can help… Whether it’s a few hours a week or 24/7, we will work with you to develop a customized care plan that meets your family’s unique needs,” Goetz confirms.

A customized care plan can give you the peace of mind to excel at work, knowing your loved one is safe and supported. To learn how we can help you maintain a healthy work-life-caregiving balance, visit our website or call your local HCAN-supported office to schedule a consultation.