Balancing work and caregiving isn’t just difficult - it can feel impossible. One minute you're answering emails or leading meetings; the next, you’re coordinating doctor’s appointments, managing medications, or comforting someone you love. It’s emotionally exhausting, logistically complex, and yet, increasingly common.
Millions of adults are navigating this dual role. According to the Caregiver Action Network, nearly 1 in 6 working Americans provides unpaid care to a loved one. And with rising diagnoses of dementia and other age-related conditions, that number is only growing.
So how do you balance your job with caregiving responsibilities - without burning out or breaking down? Here's what experts and experienced caregivers recommend.
1. Talk to Your Employer Early
It may feel awkward, but honesty is essential. Speak to your manager or HR department as soon as caregiving becomes part of your daily routine. Be clear about what you’re dealing with and how it may affect your schedule.
Many workplaces offer:
- Flexible working hours
- Remote work arrangements
- Job-sharing or reduced hours
- Carer’s leave or unpaid time off under labor regulations
In the UK, for instance, employees have the right to request flexible working. In the US, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to care for a family member.
👉 See Age UK's tips for working caregivers
2. Set Realistic Expectations (With Yourself and Others)
You can’t do everything - and pretending you can is a fast track to burnout. Prioritize tasks at work and home. Use to-do lists, delegate where possible, and focus on impact over perfection.
At work, try to:
- Group meetings together to free up blocks of time
- Batch emails or admin tasks
- Let your team know when you’re unavailable (and stick to it)
At home, don’t hesitate to lean on siblings, neighbors, or respite care services. You’re still a loving caregiver, even if you’re not there every moment.
👉 More on caregiving and career balance from Caregiver Action Network
3. Protect Your Mental and Emotional Health
Juggling roles can feel like you're always letting someone down - your boss, your loved one, yourself. The guilt, stress, and fatigue can quietly take a toll on your health.
Here’s what helps:
- Set boundaries between work and caregiving time
- Make space for small moments of rest or joy each day
- Talk to a friend, therapist, or join a support group
- Remind yourself: you’re doing your best
WebMD emphasizes that emotional wellbeing is just as important as logistics when caregiving and working. When you're depleted, it affects everything.
4. Use Tools and Tech to Lighten the Load
From shared calendars to medication reminder apps, tech can make life more manageable. Tools like Elli Cares can help by:
- Providing reminders for medication, hydration, and tasks
- Enabling check-ins with a loved one remotely
- Allowing family members to share care duties through the app
- Sending alerts when routines are missed
These tools aren’t about replacing human care - they’re about supporting you, so you’re not carrying everything alone.
👉 Learn more at www.elliapp.co
🤝 5. Ask for - and Accept - Help
Many caregivers hesitate to ask for help. But caregiving isn’t a solo act - it’s a team effort.
Reach out to:
- Family members, even for small tasks
- Community organizations or respite care services
- Workplace wellness programs
- Local dementia groups for guidance and connection
As CareLink puts it, “helping yourself helps your loved one.” You can’t pour from an empty cup.
👉 CareLink’s advice for working caregivers
You Deserve Support, Too
Balancing employment and caregiving will never be easy - but with support, flexibility, and compassion for yourself, it can be sustainable. You’re showing up in two roles that both demand so much of you. That’s no small feat.
So take a breath. Speak up. Ask for help. And remember: caring for a loved one doesn’t mean sacrificing yourself. With the right strategies and tools, you can care without crumbling.
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