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Going Back To Work When Your Loved One Is Ill
Lisa Reisman • Aug 28, 2019
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Going Back To Work When Your Loved One Is Ill
The decision to go back to work when a loved one is ill can be very difficult. It seems as though life should just stop and allow you to take care of them throughout their illness. Unfortunately, that isn't always possible.
Many make the decision to go back because of financial concerns, or to keep their medical insurance. You know it's the right thing to do, but going back to work is more difficult than you imagined. Here are five strategies that will make transitioning back to work a little easier:
1. Develop a relationship with the daytime caregiver.
While you're at work, someone else will be with your loved one. While you won't always develop a lifelong relationship with the caregiver, you can develop a strong working relationship that will allow you to go to work with the assurance that your loved one is in good hands. Take some time before your return to work to discuss your expectations, your loved one's daily routine, and your loved one's personality and needs. Make sure that your loved one is comfortable with his new caregiver.
2. Set boundaries for calls while you're at work.
This doesn't mean that you should limit your loved one from calling you, but that you should limit your calls home to check on him. Throughout the day, your focus should be on the work in front of you. Your job is vital, so do your best to focus. For example, commit to calling home on your lunch break and at one other time throughout the day. It will give your loved one something to look forward to and will assure you that he being is well cared for.
3. Don't try to do too much.
When you return to work, you may be tempted to rush through your day and get home as soon as possible. However, it's important to keep your own needs in mind, too. Schedule breaks into your day. If you need to stop at the gym for an hour on your way home, or work a shopping trip into the schedule, give yourself permission not to be on duty immediately.
4. Let your boss and your HR department know about your situation.
When your loved one is seriously ill, emergencies may arise. Let your coworkers and your boss know that it may be necessary for you to leave work suddenly and explain why. Letting them know about the current situation at home will also explain why you may have trouble focusing on your job or performing with your usual efficiency, which will help them cut you some slack when you need it most.
5. Seriously evaluate offers to work from home.
Depending on your job, working from home at least part of the time may be an option. If this is the case for you, evaluate the offer carefully before you make a final decision. Will you be able to focus on your work when you're at home with your loved one? Are the demands of your loved one's current health severe enough to require all of your attention, or do you simply need to be on hand to assist with meals and trips to the bathroom?
In some cases, working from home is a great option that will allow you to care for your loved one and work at the same time. In other cases, you'll find that trying to do both at once means that you aren't doing either well. Consider hiring a caregiver for the hours when you would be working even if you're able to work from home to give you the ability to focus more fully on your job.
Returning to work when you have a seriously ill loved one relying on you at home can be heart wrenching. Fortunately, you don't have to do it alone. Complete Care At Home can provide a caring person to look after your loved one when you're unable to be there yourself, offering you the freedom to return to work while knowing that your loved one is well cared for. Please contact us
today to discuss caregiver services for your loved one.
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