Blog > Tips for Balancing Your Job With Your Dad’s Care Needs

Tips for Balancing Your Job With Your Dad's Care Needs

President Obama established National Work & Family Month in 2010, though the origins of this national month started back in 2003. It’s a month to better manage the work and family balance. As a family caregiver, you get the importance of this matter. You’re torn between your dad’s care needs and the money you need to afford your household expenses and mortgage. How can you find the right balance between your dad’s care and your job? You may want to consider hiring companion care at home providers.

Talk to Your Boss

Make sure your boss knows that you’re a family caregiver. In some states, there are added benefits available. For example, family caregivers in Hawaii can claim a stipend to help cover the cost of care when they’re at work.

If you qualify for FMLA, it can help protect your job if you need time off. That time off is unpaid, but it can help out if you have no other option.

Prioritize Your Needs and Don’t Try to Do It All

Make sure your needs come first. You can help your dad and take on extra duties at work, but not if it means sacrificing your emotional, physical, or mental wellness. Self-care is essential as you can’t help your dad if you collapse in exhaustion.

Learn to say no. It’s tough, but it’s necessary. You haven’t had time to yourself in a year, and your boss just approved your week off. Your sister asks you to babysit her kids so that she can go on vacation for the fourth time this season. It’s okay to be honest and tell her you just can’t. If she doesn’t understand and gets angry, that’s not your problem.

At work, don’t take on more work than is in your job title. If you have co-workers who ask you to constantly work the weekend shift to allow them to attend parties, concerts, and events, say no. Once in a while is fine, but you need time to yourself too.

Ask for Help by Hiring Companion Care at Home Aides and Don’t Try to Do It All

Companion Care at Home Alachua FL – Tips for Balancing Your Job With Your Dad’s Care Needs

Reach out to your siblings and ask them to help out so that you can better find a work-life balance, if they can. If you’re not the only one in your dad’s life, there’s no reason that you have to be the only one helping him out. Explain that you’re overworked and get your siblings to start helping out on the days that they’re available.

If you’re an only child, cousins, neighbors, and family friends can be great resources. Ask them if they have time to do simple things like pick-up your dad’s grocery order or get a package that’s being held at the post office.

As hard as it is, don’t try to do it all. If you’re supporting family and household expenses, they need to be a priority. Companion care at home services can help your dad with his daily routines.

With companion care at home, your dad has a caregiver available to cook his meals, clean his home, accompany him on errands or appointment days, and keep him company. Go to work, take care of yourself, and let companion care services cover your dad’s needs.