How to Run a Business While Caring for a Senior Relative
Balancing caring for an elderly loved one and running a business can be incredibly challenging. When you're trying to manage employees, meet deadlines, and grow your company, finding time to also provide care and support for a senior relative may seem impossible. However, with some planning, flexibility, and creative solutions, you can successfully run your business without neglecting the needs of your aging family member.
Get Organized and Create a Schedule
The first step is to get organized. Make a list of your weekly business commitments and deadlines. Then make a separate list of your caregiving responsibilities. This could include tasks like driving to doctor appointments, cooking meals, managing medications, and more. Compare the two schedules side by side to identify where there may be conflicts. Look for areas where you can combine tasks, such as making phone calls for your business while cooking dinner for your relative. Building a schedule will help you visualize how to allocate your time.
If your loved one lives far away and is beginning to rely on you more and more, consider moving them closer to you and your family. Services that offer flying nurses international can accompany a senior with health problems, so they arrive safely. Then all you have to do is settle them into their new home.
Bring in Additional Caregiving Help
Don't try to do everything yourself. Research options in your area for part-time caregiving assistance. Many communities have affordable programs that send care providers to help seniors with everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, meal prep, and more. If you can afford it, consider hiring a geriatric care manager who can drop by a few days a week to check on your loved one, drive them to appointments, run errands, and oversee medications. Even just a few hours of assistance can free up some of your time for business obligations.
Take Advantage of Flexible Work Options
Talk to your employees about flexible work arrangements that could help you better balance your dual obligations. Possibilities include letting employees work remotely, implementing flexible scheduling, or allowing employees to shift their hours as needed. For example, you may start work early and then leave midday to care for your relative before returning to work in the evening. While it takes compromise, most employees will be willing to accommodate a flexible schedule if it means supporting their employer.
Bring Your Relative to Work
If your older loved one is still fairly independent, consider bringing them to the office when appropriate. Let them tag along to low-key meetings or work sessions. This allows you to care for them while still getting work done. It also provides social interaction and mental stimulation for the senior. Just be sure your office environment is senior-friendly. Provide a comfortable place for them to rest like a spare office with a couch or recliner.
Communicate Openly with Clients and Colleagues
Don't be afraid to share what you're dealing with personally. Clients and colleagues will likely be understanding if they know you're caring for an aging parent or family member. Communicate upfront when you may need to reschedule calls or rearrange your calendar. Ask for help and delegate tasks when you feel overwhelmed. Most people have experienced caring for a senior at some point and will show grace.
Running a business and providing elder care can certainly be demanding. But showing creativity, flexibility and commitment to communication can help you do both successfully. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
