CARING FOR YOUR PARENTS NOW THAT YOU ARE BACK AT WORK
If you were laid off or furloughed from your job during the pandemic, you probably found yourself stopping by Mom and Dad’s home to make sure they were safe and social distancing, and perhaps helping with some chores and errands. If you were able to telecommute and perform your job at home during the pandemic, you might have been able to help your parents out in-between shifts or dropped off a meal or two if they were nearby, or brought the grandkids by for a visit while they were out of school. Either way, during the pandemic, parental check-ins probably increased in frequency and became a routine part of the day. Most adult children adapted quickly to the situation and did what they could to help their older loved ones through the worst of the pandemic, and many even had a parent move in with them for safety’s sake. We all recall the horror stories in the news about nursing home outbreaks of the Coronavirus.
Fast forward to current times, months after the initial shock of the pandemic, and the reopening of many businesses due to the dwindling deaths and number of new infections. Companies have called workers physically back to the office or workplace. So what happens to the care of and attention to your parents that they have come to rely on through the pandemic now that you are again a full time employee?
Your sick days and paid time off have begun to dwindle down and make it harder to do extra errands and drive to doctor appointments. The federal FFCRA and extended family leave options are only offered through December 31st, and only pay minimal wages if your loved one needs care due to Coronavirus. Taking time away from work to handle health emergencies and supermarket runs is stressful and worrying about your folks all day will eventually impact your performance at the office. Eventually, like so many other family caregivers you’ll just work out a temporary solution, ideally with minimal impact on your workday. But you need a more sustainable solution over time.
Many adult children will find it financially impossible to leave their current employer and give up their salary and benefits to take care of an aging parent or loved one on a long term basis. Most seniors are adamant about wanting to remain in their own homes and receive assistance from their own children. That’s where Visiting Angels becomes a practical consideration when you return to work. We work with you to provide the care you cannot due to time and distance constraints, and workload. Arranging for homecare or companionship services for your parents is even more essential now that school closures have impacted so many households, putting even more strain on working adult children.
Hiring a Visiting Angels caregiver or companion for your parents benefits you and them in many ways. You know firsthand how they are faring day and night, and gain peace of mind about the high quality of care they are receiving from an award winning home health agency. You could likely delay, if not eliminate, their need for nursing home care while the Coronavirus still poses a threat. Every family is unique, every client has individual needs. We can create a plan and schedule that fits your pocketbook, and help you choose an aide that fits your Mom or Dad’s personality. Kiss burnout goodbye and regain your identity.
Contact Us: Stepping in and stepping up to help your aging parents during the pandemic probably felt good but is no longer practical on a long term basis now that you have returned to work. Most adult children who work may have to occasionally take time off in order to assist their aging loved one in an emergency, but cannot do so on a regular basis. As with all issues in caregiving, there is no silver bullet, no easy answer that is right for everyone. We need better support from employers so that gainful employment, financial security and dedication to family are attainable goals that can coexist. In the meantime, know your best options and make an informed decision about care for your aging parents. We offer a complimentary consultation and are happy to answer all of your questions. Call 561-328-7611 for a no obligation appointment.
Till Next Time!
Irv Seldin, JD, MA
President and Owner, Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches
This article is not intended as medical, legal, or financial advice.