The double, and often conflicting, demands of working and caring for an older parent, friend, or relative can be very stressful.

Nearly 22 million Americans who work full or part time also care for an older adult, according to AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons).

If you are one of those faced with this challenge, here are some tips from AARP to help you balance both of these roles more effectively:

• Find out your company’s policy on caregivers and what benefits or services your company may offer that can help you.
  
• Ask if your company has an employee assistance program.
  
• Ask your human resources or personnel department for information on the Family and Medical Leave Act. This law gives eligible workers up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a family member without losing one’s job or health coverage. Not all workers are covered under this law. Eligibility varies depending on the size of the company and how long a worker has been employed.
  
• Take advantage of flex-time policies.
  
• Show your commitment to your job and the organization. Offer to work a less desirable shift or at times less popular with other workers to make up for time taken for caregiving.
  
• Consider job sharing or working part time if possible.
  
• Avoid mixing work with caregiving. If you need to locate caregiving resources while at work, do so during your lunch hour.
  
• Manage your time well. Set your priorities and do the most important things first. Delegate when you can.
  
• Get support from family, friends, and community resources.
  
• Take care of your own health. Caregiving can be physically and emotionally demanding. Eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise. Take a break from caregiving if the pressure gets to be too much. Seek professional counseling if needed to help you meet your own needs.
  
• Discuss your caregiving issues with your work supervisor.
  
• Thank those at work for their consideration and assistance in helping you balance your work and caregiving responsibilities.

For more information, email AARP at members@aarp.org with your name, postal address, and the name of the publication to receive a free copy of Family Conversations That Help Parents Stay Independent (C17002). Contact the Eldercare Locator to locate community services in your area that support older adults. Call (800) 677-1116 or visit the Eldercare website at http://www.aoa.gov/press/fact/alpha/fact_eldercare_locator.asp. Also see the resource center at the Family Caregiver Alliance website http://www.caregiver.org.

Source: AARP, “Balancing Work and Caregiving,” www.aarp.org/.