Our Ask An Angel correspondent is Re Kielar, Life Care Navigation Specialist in the area of senior home care.
Q. I am the main caregiver for a family member, and I can oversee her care even though I work full time. Recently, her care needs have changed, and I have found myself spending more time on the phone and trying to manage appointments and other issues while at work. I feel pulled in so many directions, plus I have guilt of taking care of personal issues on company time. What do you recommend for people in my situation?
A. Working and caregiving are opposing roles! While your heart says yes to your loved one, there is also the importance of job integrity and responsibility. I have seen this struggle in families. Some options to consider may include working with a Geriatric Care Manager. This is a professional who can help you navigate services for your loved one. A geriatric care manager oversees the management of appointments and other needs. A professional of this nature is usually a licensed nurse or a social worker. This professional can also oversee many other aspects of care and acts as an advocate on behalf of the person. In a sense, they act as a project manager for the family. Another option is to work with a professional caregiving agency. Some agencies may employ a home nurse who provides care management that includes medication set up and management, making calls to the proper physician regarding medication, and working with caregiving staff to compliment the nursing services provided. This arrangement allows for a smooth care plan within the agency that involves all family members. A caregiver can be the hands and feet of your caregiving responsibilities. They can help run errands, provide companionship and perform custodial and personal care services within the home. Your role as a caregiver encompasses many areas. If you must work and feel torn between your roles, it might be a good idea to interview care managers as well as caregiving agencies who provide in-home nursing care. All in all, it seems that you need to bring relief to the responsibilities you carry. Begin by listing what your family member’s needs are and your needs as well. Then formulate a way to meet and interview the service providers that can help you be a successful caregiver for your loved one. Once you have a plan in place, the pull you feel from these areas of your life will be less stressful.
Have a question for our angel correspondent? You can send our angel an email to rkielar@visitingangels.com or send your question via mail to Ask An Angel, 65 Woodbury St., South Elgin, IL 60177.
