How can I find time to care for a family member with terminal cancer?
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LIVESTRONG answered:Caregiving for a terminally ill family member requires a time commitment. The amount of time and energy needed to provide care for someone is not easy to predict. Sometimes a rotation schedule with other family members and loved ones is needed. Because caregiving can be hard work at times, caregivers will need to take time off from time to time.
Serving as a home hospice caregiver is covered by the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) which protects an individual's job standing and benefits during unpaid leave of up to 12 weeks. Not all employers are required to offer this benefit, so the caregiver will have to discuss the FMLA with his or her human resources department about options.
Caregivers may also want to talk with their employers about making temporary changes at work to enable them to continue to provide care such as:
- Flexible hours, schedule changes or working from home
- Using vacation and sick leave time
Caregiving for a terminally ill family member requires a time commitment. The amount of time and energy needed to provide care for someone is not easy to predict. Sometimes a rotation schedule with other family members and loved ones is... More -
Carol Milardo Floriani of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:Finding time to care for a family member must include finding resources in your community, for yourself, as well as your family member, because caregiver stressors can overwhelm even the most loving of caregivers. Your best resource is to call a hospice listed in your phonebook. They can help you find resources, even if they cannot provide it themselves.
Finding time to care for a family member must include finding resources in your community, for yourself, as well as your family member, because caregiver stressors can overwhelm even the most loving of caregivers. Your best resource is to... More
