Published by: OnFolio Admin
Adulting is hard. Factor in a burgeoning career, family life and everything else in between, and you’ve got a jam-packed schedule. Now imagine adding an aging or ailing parent to the already boiling pot.
That five-year strategy isn’t exactly going according to plan, is it? You could do two things: put your career on hold and care for your loved one or devise an action plan.
You’re not the first nor the last to face this crossroads. Thankfully, you have options.
Below, we’ll explore possible solutions to navigating your career while caring for a loved one.
Support Systems
Families tend to rally around sick loved ones when times are tough. Discuss with your siblings the options available to you.
Family Care
This alternative is the most attractive. You could delegate someone as the primary caregiver. The person is usually a family member or friend.
The person is usually a family member or friend, but many can’t fulfill these duties due to living in another city or state. The next best thing is to choose someone they can trust.
If possible, share the caregiving duties among yourselves. Take turns visiting, prepping meals, providing transport, etc.
Professional Care
The financial strain of in-home care can be burdensome but alleviates the challenges of taking on the task on your own. There’s also the peace of mind, knowing your loved one is in good hands.
San Bernardino County reports a critical need for caregivers for older adults with disabilities in California. Specialty care is as hard to find.
Adult gerontology nurse practitioners (AGNPs) especially are in high demand. Registered nurses specializing in caring for aging adults, an AGNP is trained to provide health assessments, improve healthcare outcomes and help patients with chronic disease management.
Applicants typically enroll in online AGPC programs because of the flexibility of obtaining a degree remotely. Students can work while studying in the master’s degree program.
Once the coursework is completed, graduates can take the Adult Gerontology Primary Care (AGPC) certification exam. Students with an MSN are eligible for a Post-Master’s Certificate-AGPCNP that can be completed in 14 to 18 months.
Spring Arbor University advises enrolling in an online MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program that is CCNE-accredited and highly ranked.
Communicate with Your Employer
Depending on whether you’ve started your position or have been with the company for years, it’s important to keep your employer informed.
Be Upfront
Talk to your manager about your situation. CareerCircle says having a truthful and transparent conversation with them helps you manage your work and personal responsibilities.
Negotiate Flexible Working Hours
You’d be surprised at how understanding and empathetic your boss might be. Maybe the option of remote work is on the table.
You could compress your workweek by telecommuting or taking breaks to deal with caregiving responsibilities.
Productivity
The last thing you want is for your productivity to drop. Make it clear to your employer that although your loved one needs to be prioritized, it doesn’t mean your work suffers.
Discuss efficient ways to maintain productivity and schedule regular catch-ups to ensure you’re on track performance-wise.
Taking Care of Yourself
Having to take care of an aging or sick parent takes its toll, mentally and physically. Often, you neglect your well-being.
Make it a priority to set healthy boundaries and manage your time effectively. Focus on your main duties and delegate other tasks to family members.
Practice self-care by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep. Do things that bring you joy, even if it’s watching a movie at your local cinema or meditating.
Reassess Your Options
If things become overwhelming, enlist your inner circle to help you carry the load. It can get lonely at times caring for a parent when dementia or cancer eats away at them. Talk to someone about your fears and anxieties.
Bring in professional care and consider hiring a primary care or gerontology primary care nurse.
If you haven’t already, research community resources. Local support groups and caregiver assistance programs could be a lifeline.
Some states offer Medicaid programs that subsidize in-home care services. They are a valuable resource for individuals who can’t afford to care for their loved ones.
You might be thinking about a career change. However, such a drastic decision requires evaluating your career pathway.
Are you prepared to study while caring for your loved one? Are you exploring a less demanding role?
Sometimes all it takes is pressing the reset button and shifting the goalposts. Hopefully, you’ll make a decision that works for everyone involved.