Workplace Eldercare Programs - Getting the Support You Need
How do you stop this downward spiral and get the support you need? Start by looking at what workplace elder-care programs are available at your company and use them - and encourage fellow employees (men as well as women) to use them too.
Before making any requests, however, determine what help and/or accommodation you must have as well as a few other things that would make your life easier. Then, Compare your needs and organizational requirements Create a plan that addresses both Meet with your boss and present your proposal Discuss and negotiate alternatives Allow time for everyone to get used to the change Keep the door open to changes and/or additional accommodations as needs arise (yours or your company's)
That's great for companies that have workplace programs. However, although nearly 25% of companies that employ 100 employees or more report they have some type of program - most Americans are employed by small companies less likely to have formal programs. So, unfortunately, the reality is that few Americans have access to workplace programs. But that doesn't have to stop you!
If your company does not currently have any elder-care programs Determine your needs - and needs of other employees, if appropriate Research what's available through outside services Determine the benefits of providing these services - and the risks of not providing them Meet with your boss/HR and start by telling them what you've already done to minimize both the impact of elder-care and the accommodations needed - so they can see the efforts you have already made. Then present yours (and, if possible, other employees') needs, present the programs available to meet those needs, and the benefits to the company of accommodating your needs, and request they make them available.
A COUPLE OF REMINDERS:
INCORPORATE FLEXIBILITY! By it's very nature, elder-care is unpredictable and intermittent, so caregivers usually can't plan or prepare and in a crisis, caregivers often have a limited time to resolve the crisis. And it's even harder for people caring for someone with dementia because dementia is progressive so you don't always know how - or when - it will manifest itself. You want to make sure whatever you present takes this into account.
And START SLOWLY and START EARLY! The key to any workplace program or accommodation is ease into it. If your boss is unfamiliar with elder-care, you don't want her/him to freak out! Unfortunately, many people wait until they're desperate. They need relief and they need it now. By starting early, you can start slowly - and you give them the chance to get used to the accommodations and changes - before you need to ask for more!
Related Tags: parents, home office, sandwich generation, eldercare, adult children
© Copyright AgeWiseLiving™ 2001-2006 You can find information about Generational Coaching, AgeWiseLiving™ seminars, and to sign up for Barbara's monthly newsletter at http://www.AgeWiseLiving.com or by calling toll-free (877) AGE-WISE. Barbara E. Friesner is the country's leading Generational Coach and expert on issues affecting seniors and their families. She is an adjunct professor at Cornell University, where she created and teaches "Seniors Housing Management" at Cornell's School of Hotel Administration.
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