Dr. Eboni Green
September 15, 2016
When you think of a working caregiver, twenty-year-old Parker Schnabel (Discovery Channel’s Gold Rush) may not be who comes to mind. However, he is a vital part of his ninety-five-year-old grandfather John Schnabel’s caregiving team. As a self-employed gold miner, Parker is likely not financially responsible for his grandfather, yet his emotional investment is evident in his willingness to put his family first. One would be hard-pressed to find a more inspirational example of mutual respect and reciprocated admiration than what Parker and John share.
If you are shouldering the care of a loved one and working full-time, you are not alone. In fact, according to a study recently published titled Caregiving in the U.S. 2015, 60 percent of caregivers were employed while providing care in the past year. Although caring for your loved one is likely your first priority, when you are working full time, you might consider the care you provide for your loved one your second shift. It is important to acknowledge the value in what you do professionally as part of your identity, but the care for your elderly or disabled loved one or client is equally, if not more, important.
Yet, from time to time, it may be difficult for you find a harmonious rhythm with work and caregiving. This may ring true especially when you feel there is a lack of support in the workplace or when you have a less than cohesive family structure. Long-term occupational stress can gradually turn into occupational distress as you attempt to manage multiple competing responsibilities. This leads to the question; how do you make caring for yourself while working and caring for your elderly or disabled loved one or client a priority?
Occupational wellness is a part of the Caregiver Wellness: U model, a conceptual model that incorporates the movement toward social, psychological, physical, intellectual, spiritual, occupational, and financial wellness, while also incorporating the empowerment and resilience necessary to take charge of your health on a holistic basis. The components are not chronological; rather, they represent collective components.
According to the Caregiver Wellness: U model, you are occupationally well if you have positive methods to manage your stress at work, adequate dependent care, access to care resources, and family-friendly workplace policies.
The following are three resources that you may find useful to improve your occupational wellness as you work and care for your elderly or disabled loved one or client.
Print out the Your Portable Guide to Stress Relief, a valuable resource published by Harvard Health Publications. Included in the guide are quick tips for managing your stress in the workplace. The suggested activities can be performed during your scheduled work breaks or at other times when you are feeling stressed.
If you are managing the finances for your elderly or disabled loved one, you may find the Helping Financial Caregivers in Every State guides helpful. Each of the four guides focuses on a different financial role, including agents under a power of attorney, court-appointed guardians, trustees, and government fiduciaries (Social Security representative payees and VA fiduciaries).
Tips and Resources for Caregivers, published by the Department of Health and Human Services, is another valuable resource. The document highlights a variety of governmental programs and supports that may be accessed to aid in the care of your loved one.
Gage how are you doing as a caregiver. Do you want to better understand your wellbeing? The “Ask Emma” Caregiver Support Tool is a strength’s-based self-help tool, designed to empower you to achieve optimum wellness. Check out the features and benefits of using this valuable wellness tool designed just for you.
Although there may be no such thing as a perfect caregiving situation, as you are likely caring for your loved one in the very best way possible, it is important that you do not forget about caring for yourself. Challenge yourself to access at least one of the suggested resources, share the results with another caregiver, and commit to continuing to identify ways to achieve optimum wellness.
