5 Tips for Creating A Care Plan For Working Caregivers
"I'm struggling at work. I can't focus. My loved one is calling me constantly, and I'm worried about leaving them home alone. It's affecting my performance, and I'm concerned about keeping my job."
If these thoughts resonate with you, you're not alone. As a woman balancing work and caregiving, you face unique challenges. However, there are strategies that can help. One key approach is creating a care plan to support the individual needs of both you and your loved one struggling with mental health or substance use challenges.
Below are some points to consider when developing your plan.
Keep in mind, this can always be adjusted if it’s not working well for you, and kudos to you for starting!
Safety: What needs to happen to ensure your loved one is as safe as possible while alone? Assess their specific care requirements, such as medications and appointments, and determine when you need to be there or when you can delegate assistance.
Support: Who else can step in to assist in your absence? Solicit help from trustworthy family and friends, or if possible, consider programs in which your loved one can participate within your community.
Communication: Can you involve your loved one in creating the plan? If not, consider how to communicate a clear understanding of your arrangements with your loved one. A written-out schedule may be helpful as a visual reference for your family as well.
Boundaries: What boundaries can you set to allow yourself uninterrupted work time while still allowing time for check-ins with your loved one? You may want to plan for a specific number of calls per day from your loved one to limit their calls. Additionally, building set times to "check in" into your plan, either by phone or virtually, which may offer reassurance for both of you. Remember to clearly set this expectation with your loved one when reviewing your care plan.
Self-care: Don’t forget to build in time to care for YOU! Eat lunch, take a walk, listen to music, or do whatever you need to take care of your well-being during the day.
While this seems simple in theory, we know the best-intentioned plans don’t always work out as hoped. Continue to assess your plan and decide whether it works for you and your family. Remember to adjust where necessary because things can change on a dime.
You've got this!
Need more guidance? I can help. My name is Christi Alicea, and I work with women who have gotten lost in their loved one’s mental health or substance use struggle and have put their own self-care on the back burner.
I’d love to meet with you on my free 30-minute discovery call and talk about ways we can work together to create a plan for your self-care that supports a happier you. I look forward to meeting you!