Cargiving and Working

I would look into finding a work from home job, if I were in your situation.

Have you thought about a home job?

@jjschmerer
I am so touched by your loving concern for your parents after seven years of caregiving. I am also caregiver to a parent and know the sacrifices required.

Have you spoken to their PCP about qualifying for a home health aid? Or, do they have the finances to have someone come in to help for a while during the day so you can be at work? There are agencies that carefully screen and train employees…Are either of your parents veterans—there is help through the VA. Would they consider going to an adult day care? The one I have visited for my parent actually gets up to snuff on their medical issues and administers meds in accordance to their schedules while they are there, takes BP and weight, etc. (the PCP doctor fills out forms to let them know requirements). Working from home is another idea, but depending on your parents care needs, might become very stressful.

I wish you blessings and open doors to a great resolution. I do support you in the idea of regaining your work life and having some other outlet. Caregiving becomes so isolating and I think having more balance can only benefit everyone involved.

Your post is very touching. Your devotion to your parents is very commendable. I’m not sure what your parents are dealing with….immobility, cognitive issues or something else, but I would really consider getting a job outside the home that provides insurance and retirement.

There are many things to consider, such as whether you have paid in enough to get Social Security when it’s time. You can check on that. I’d also consider factors like caregiver fatigue. It can be brutal. If I had to do it over, I would do it differently and I would not work remotely and be a caregiver. An analogy I came up with is that of a doctor. Let’s say the doctor shows up to work with 2 of his children. He must be their caregiver, plus treat his patients (job). Oh, and must answer the phone, do the books, and clean the bathrooms. Basically, it’s doing everything all the time. It’s very stressful and not ideal for a person with health issues.

Have you explored options for your parents’ care?

You're taking on a big load, God bless you!
Try checking into what services might be available through your county. We have something called ADRC - Aging, Disabled, Resource Center. These folks are a great "tool" to help navigate help that could be available. Depending on your parent's needs, I also suggest looking into home health care. A good agency can help determining your parents needs and once again navigate what's out there.

For five years, I worked full-time and took care of my sister who had ALS. Our local council on Aging was a God send. We were referred to them through Elder Source. We were provided a CNA for 40 hours a week. It didn't quite cover all of my time for work because of travel time and lunch breaks, but it helped tremendously. I was then able to find a lady locally to cover the rest of the hours. I would check with Elder Source to see if your parents qualify and what services are in your area.

Being a caregiver is hard. Good luck to you and I hope you find a way to balance your life and caregiving.