Caregiving While Working

Meet with your manager or human resources representative to discuss the policies and resources available to you. These might include:

• Flexible work options. This could mean a compressed workweek or a modified daily schedule based on need. Job-sharing and remote work are also caregiver-friendly options to explore. Many employers offer flex-time options on a case-by-case basis, even if there is no formal policy.
  
• Counseling and support services. Your human resources department may offer an Employee Assistance Program or other resources specifically for caregivers, like counseling on reducing stress and managing your time.
  
• Eldercare referrals. Your company may also offer eldercare referrals through an online database or live consultants. This reduces the burden of having to do distracting and time-consuming research to find services such as medical support and meal delivery for your loved one.
  
• Share ideas. Employers that have not implemented policies or practices for employees who are also caregivers may be open to doing so. AARP and Northeast Business Group on Health have developed a tool kit to help employers support their working caregivers. Share it with your employer to help them learn more.
  
• Using paid time off for caregiving. Depending on your employer's policies and applicable state laws, you may be permitted or required to use accrued paid sick days or vacation leave toward time taken off for caregiving.

Family leave for caregivers

There are federal and state laws available to caregivers.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that entitles certain workers to take unpaid leave for up to 12 weeks per year without losing job security or health benefits to care for a spouse, child or parent who has a serious health problem. FMLA does not cover leave taken to care for in-laws. You are covered by FMLA if you work in the public sector, or for a company or organization that employs at least 50 people who work 20 workweeks in the current or previous calendar year. 

States with paid caregiving laws. 10 states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington) plus the District of Columbia have laws on the books providing mandatory paid time off for caregivers through tax-funded family-leave insurance programs. Eight other states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia) have voluntary programs in place. It is your employer's responsibility to comply with all applicable laws, whether your leave qualifies for both state and FMLA leave or just one or the other.

Building a caregiving community

Connecting with other caregivers can help you share resources and talk to those facing the same issues.

• At work. Find out if your workplace offers a support group for caregivers, or start one. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) offer information and services as well as providing a way for co-workers to share solutions to caregiving problems.
  
• In your town. Investigate and participate in your local caregiving community. An adult day care program can provide your loved one with socialization and structure during the day. You may also be able to find people who can cover your caregiving responsibilities if you have to work late (and vice versa), or who can share the cost of a part-time home health aide.
  
• At home. Scheduling and organization apps like CaringBridge and Caring Village can help you keep track of caregiving responsibilities, including delegating tasks among family members and friends.
  
• Online. You can find affinity support groups that are specific to the caregiving issues you face, like Alzheimer's disease. AARP offers Caregiving forums and a private Facebook group for family caregivers to share your story, get support and connect with other caregivers. You can also find more specialized support groups that address specific issues, conditions or diseases.

This article, originally published in 2019, has been updated with new statistics and information on family leave.