Caregiving Expert, Margery Pabst
Answer:
First, thank you for this very important question, because I know so many caregivers must balance their work and caregiving lives and, in the meantime, try to have some degree of balance for themselves. I also think it important for you to let your employer know about your caregiving issues.
Your question also is one that must be handled carefully with your employer; you will need to use some communication skills for success. Before approaching your employer, first ask yourself, “Have I delegated everything that I can delegate to my family members/friends?” Discovering items that can be delegated will help ease the strain and will leave you with key responsibilities to explain to your employer when she asks.
Next, here are the key communication skills I mentioned.
-Thank your employer for her time and identify what you like about your job. Explain this as specifically as possible. For example, you may enjoy researching information, and that may be something you can do at home as well as at work.
-Identify that you are a caregiver for your parent by saying something like, “I thought you needed to know about my home circumstances.”
-Ask her if she has any questions of you or if she has any concerns. This is important because you need to know what her orientation is--anything from totally understanding what you face because she has been a caregiver or totally clueless about what caregiving means. Identifying her degree of understanding is critical.
-Identify what work tasks could be completed at home if necessary.
-Assure your employer that you may not need to take time away from work, but if necessary, you will see that all work is completed to her and the company’s standards.
-State that you will keep her updated on your situation, and thank her for understanding.
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