What Should You Consider When Balancing Work with Caregiving? A Practical Guide for Caregivers

Balancing work with caregiving can feel like spinning plates, and if you’re not careful, one might come crashing down. Whether you’re looking after a child, an elderly relative, or someone with special needs, the demands can be overwhelming. It’s not just about managing your time; it’s about protecting your own wellbeing while meeting the needs of those who rely on you.

You’ve got to consider your own goals as well, including other family commitments, your finances, your career, and, arguably most critically, your mental health. Are you entitled to flexible working or financial support? Could your employer be more understanding? Do you need more flexibility to deliver on your caring obligations? Can they accommodate your needs? These are just some of the questions you’ll need to tackle. Getting it right isn’t easy, but with the right strategies, you can create a balance that works for you and your loved ones.

Introduction: The Challenge of Balancing Work and Caregiving

Balancing work with caregiving demands can feel like an uphill battle. Juggling professional responsibilities with the often unpredictable needs of those you care for requires careful planning and dedication.

Why caregiving and work can conflict

Caregiving and work often clash because both impose significant demands on your time, energy, mental and physical capacity. You will find yourself navigating constant time pressures as a working caregiver, especially when emergencies or unexpected tasks arise. Emotional strain can quickly build up, whether it’s from managing your loved ones, coordinating health appointments, managing household duties, or simply worrying about those that rely on you Without effective organisation, maintaining control over your commitments can feel impossible. For example, managing school drop-offs while meeting the needs of elderly parents, along site work deadlines and your own health.

The importance of prioritisation

Prioritisation is essential in managing caregiving tasks alongside your professional life. A proven method like the MoSCoW Framework can help you categorise your tasks effectively. Using this approach, you identify what’s non-negotiable (Must), what’s significant but less urgent (Should), what’s beneficial but arguably optional (Could), and what can be consciously deferred or excluded (Won’t). For instance, arranging transportation to medical appointments might fall under ‘Must’, while rearranging the kitchen storage to make your parent’s life safer and easier might be classified as ‘Could’. This clarity helps you allocate time and energy wisely, ensuring high-priority responsibilities are dealt with first.

Overview of the process:

Managing caregiving and work requires a structured approach to stay on top of your dual (or multiple) roles. Start by identifying specific need for the person you’re caring for and don’t forget to consider your own needs. If you get burnt out, you wont be of any use to anyone.

Write down essential support, such as medical care, therapy schedules, or meal preparation, as this makes it easier to address requirements systematically. Then, engage support networks, whether it’s family members, friends, or professional services, to share the load. Finally, plan collaboratively with your employer by discussing flexible arrangements, such as remote work or adjusted hours. Employers sometimes offer resources like employee assistance programmes, so don’t hesitate to explore these options.

Step 1: Identify and Prioritise Care Needs

Balancing work and caregiving requires a clear strategy, and the MoSCoW Framework offers a structured way to prioritise. Get out a pen a paper, list what needs to be done and categorise tasks as Must-Do, Should-Do, Could-Do or Won’t-Do (even if you would like to do those things), you can focus your time and resources where they matter most. Here’s how to use it effectively.

Must-Do Tasks

Essential care activities that cannot be skipped (e.g., administering medication, attending medical appointments, hygiene and ensuring their safety)

Identify non-negotiable caregiving tasks that directly affect the health or safety of your dependent. These typically include administering medication, attending doctor’s appointments, assisting with hygiene, or ensuring a safe environment. For example, skipping medication or delaying critical treatment can have immediate, serious repercussions on their wellbeing.

Consequences of neglecting these tasks

Neglecting Must-Do tasks can lead to significant health risks, hospitalisations, or worsening conditions. Therefore, focusing on these priorities ensures both safety and your peace of mind. Only mark this category of task as Must-Do. As to who does it, you may want to do it yourself, have a family member do it, or possibly even a professional carer for whom nothing will be too much.

Should-Do Tasks

Important but not critical tasks (e.g., meal preparation, mobility assistance)

Should-Do tasks, while not urgent, are vital for maintaining daily routines. These might include meal planning, mobility support, or assisting with exercises. While not as critical as Must-Do tasks, neglecting these repeatedly can affect their quality of life and create additional stress for both you and them.

How to decide which tasks can be delegated

Review your list of Should-Do tasks to determine what you can outsource or share. Can a family member help with meal prep, or could you bring in a service to do that? Is there a local service or charity that provides mobility assistance? Could a carer take over some of these tasks? Delegating allows you to focus on high-impact priorities without compromising on care standards.

Could-Do Tasks

Optional tasks that enhance quality of life but are not essential (e.g. daily companionship, monitoring, home maintenance)

Could-Do tasks improve comfort and happiness but aren’t essential for immediate wellbeing. Examples include spending extra time on daily companionship, cosmetic home maintenance, or monitoring for non-urgent issues. While valuable, these tasks can often be postponed or scaled back when time is scarce.

Leveraging technology or external help for these tasks

Use tools like video communication apps for remote companionship or monitoring, and consider outsourcing tasks like gardening or cleaning. Many caregiving aids, such as automated reminders or smart home devices, can help streamline Could-Do activities and reduce your workload.

Won’t-Do Tasks

Tasks you cannot commit to due to time or capability constraints

List what you simply cannot do, based on availability, expertise, or physical ability. This might include intensive medical procedures, major home renovations, or 24/7 monitoring. Recognising your limits helps you set realistic expectations and avoid burnout.

Communicating boundaries to the person you are caring for

Be clear yet compassionate when discussing what’s beyond your capacity. Explaining your limits prevents misunderstandings and encourages collaborative solutions. For instance, if you can’t offer round-the-clock care, work together to explore respite care services or alternative arrangements. This fosters mutual trust and ensures their needs are met without compromising your own wellbeing.

Step 2: Identify Who or What Can Support You

Balancing work and caregiving often requires a strong support system. Understanding and leveraging available resources can help lighten your load and create a more sustainable routine.

Explore external support options

Family, friends, and neighbours: Delegating specific tasks

Ask family members, friends, or neighbours to help with manageable tasks. For example, a neighbour could collect groceries, or a friend might pick up prescriptions. Being clear about specific needs, like childcare during work meetings or help with transport, makes it easier for others to assist without feeling overwhelmed.

Professional services: Hiring carers, cleaners, or meal services

Invest in professional services to free up your time for caregiving or work. You could hire a professional carer for daily tasks like dressing or mobility support. Meal delivery services can simplify food preparation, ensuring nutritious meals without extra effort. For household chores, cleaners can maintain a tidy home, preventing burnout from juggling endless responsibilities.

Consider charities and community resources

Charities like Carers UK, Age UK, and condition-specific charities (e.g., Alzheimer’s Society)

Many charities offer invaluable resources tailored to caregivers. Carers UK, for instance, provides advice on benefits and legal rights. If you’re supporting an elderly relative, Age UK offers specific help such as telephone befriending or grant schemes for home modifications. For condition-specific cases, organisations like the Alzheimer’s Society offer guidance, training, and local support groups.

Befriending services for social interaction and companionship

Loneliness can affect both caregivers and dependents. Befriending services connect your loved one with someone for regular social interaction. Organisations such as the British Red Cross or Re-engage offer schemes that build a sense of community while easing your caregiving burden.

Visiting services for welfare checks and light assistance

Consider utilising welfare services to perform regular check-ins. Local councils or charities often provide visiting volunteers for companionship, basic tasks like laundry, or safety assessments. This ensures your loved one is monitored even when you’re unavailable.

Incorporate technology into caregiving

Reminder systems for medication and appointments

Schedule reminders using apps like MediSafe, which send alerts for medication times or doctor appointments. These systems improve consistency and reduce stress by ensuring nothing essential slips through the cracks.

In-home trackers, cameras, or GPS devices to monitor safety

Technology like GPS trackers or in-home cameras offers peace of mind, especially for individuals with mobility issues or dementia. You can monitor their safety remotely while managing your work commitments. Smart home devices with voice assistants can also provide immediate help if your loved one is in distress.

Apply the MoSCoW framework to support systems

Who can take on must-do tasks?

Identify dependable individuals or services to handle essential caregiving duties that can’t be delayed. For instance, professional carers can ensure critical medical needs are met, while a family member could assist with meals or transportation.

Which services are best for must-do, should-do, and could-do tasks?

Categorise support options based on urgency. For must-do tasks, rely on professional carers or reliable relatives. Should-do activities, like house cleaning or grocery shopping, are ideal for delegation to friends, neighbours, or hired services. Could-do tasks, such as beautifying the garden, can wait or be prioritised when resources allow.

Step 3: Plan Your Core Responsibilities

Planning your core responsibilities is essential for maintaining balance between work and caregiving. By defining your role and creating a structured care plan, you can manage commitments more effectively and reduce stress.

Define your role in caregiving

Focus on must-do tasks that require your direct involvement.

Identify the caregiving duties only you can perform. These typically include activities like administering medication at specific times, attending critical medical appointments, or providing emotional support during stressful situations. Prioritise these responsibilities to ensure essential caregiving needs are met without compromise.

Delegate what you can to external resources.

Divide less urgent tasks among family members, friends, or professional caregivers whenever possible. For instance, consider delegating errands like grocery shopping, meal preparation, or arranging transport for non-critical appointments. This not only lightens your load but also fosters collaborative caregiving within your support network.

Create a detailed care plan

Specify responsibilities, timelines, and contingency plans.

Draft a comprehensive care plan that outlines who handles each task, when it needs completing, and how to respond to emergencies. For example, if you’re unavailable, ensure a trusted contact can step in to assist with daily care or last-minute needs.

Regularly review and adjust based on evolving needs.

Reassess your care plan frequently, weekly or monthly, depending on your situation. Needs can change due to health fluctuations or new commitments, requiring updates to your timelines, responsibilities, or external support systems. Staying adaptive ensures you remain in control and responsive to shifting priorities.

Step 4: Communicate with Your Employer

Clear communication with your employer can make it easier to balance work and caregiving responsibilities. By presenting a well-thought-out plan and understanding workplace rights, you can create favourable arrangements that benefit both parties.

Present your caregiving plan

Explain your obligations, emphasise steps taken to minimise work disruption.

Outline your caregiving responsibilities, focusing on key time-bound tasks like medical appointments or school pick-ups. Explain how you’re already managing other duties through delegation, external support, or technology. This demonstrates your commitment to minimising the impact on work.

Offer realistic solutions, such as flexible working or reduced hours.

Propose practical adjustments like working from home on specific days, shifting working hours, or moving to a part-time arrangement. Be ready to show how these changes could improve your focus and productivity, demonstrating their mutual benefit to you and your employer.

Understand your rights and responsibilities

The right to request flexible working and time off for dependants.

Under UK law, you have the right to request flexible working after 26 weeks of employment. This includes options like remote work, adjusted hours, or job sharing. Additionally, you can take reasonable time off for emergencies involving dependants. Familiarise yourself with these rights to confidently initiate discussions.

Check out the book “Take Care” written by the Chairman of CarersUK on how employers can best support their caregiving employees.

When to escalate with legal protections if adjustments are unreasonably denied.

If your employer denies necessary adjustments without valid reasons, seek advice. Organisations like Citizens Advice or ACAS can provide support on legal steps to challenge decisions. Escalation might sometimes be unavoidable, but it’s always best to exhaust collaborative options first.

Be prepared to compromise. Escalation is a failure to negotiate.

Explore reduced hours or hybrid working if necessary.

Discuss hybrid models combining home and office work or reduced hours to fit your caregiving needs. Highlight how such solutions ensure continuity in your contributions while also supporting your personal responsibilities.

Consider financial implications of salary adjustments.

Be honest about the impact reduced hours could have on your income. Prepare a budget review to assess feasibility and explore options like government caregiver allowances or tax credits to bridge any financial gaps.

Step 5: Maintain Balance and Monitor Progress

Don’t expect to get everything right the first time, and be prepared for setbacks, balancing work and caregiving is no easy task. It’s a dynamic process that requires constant attention and adjustment. By regularly reviewing your strategies and adapting to changing needs, you can stay on track while safeguarding your own well-being and ensuring the best care for those who depend on you.

Review the plan regularly

Ensure must-do tasks are being completed effectively.

Check if essential caregiving activities, like administering medication or attending appointments, are consistently handled on time and without oversight. Use tools, such as calendars or task-tracking apps, to stay organised and spot any gaps quickly. If you notice recurring issues, consider adjusting routines or seeking additional help.

Evaluate whether support systems are working as expected.

Assess whether your current support arrangements, whether family members, hired carers, or community services, are meeting expectations. Are tasks being executed as agreed? If, for example, a neighbour assists with school pickups, ensure it’s happening without disruption. Open communication is key here; schedule periodic check-ins to discuss what’s going well and what might need improvement.

Adapt to changes

Adjust priorities as care needs or work demands evolve.

Caregiving situations often change over time due to medical developments, ageing, or career shifts. Review your priority list regularly to reflect these changes. For instance, if your job responsibilities increase, you might need to delegate more caregiving activities or negotiate added flexibility at work. Stay proactive to prevent feeling overwhelmed.

Reassess won’t-do tasks to maintain boundaries and avoid burnout.

Revisit the tasks you’ve previously classified as won’t-do. Are they still realistic, or do new circumstances demand a different approach? Holding firm with these boundaries protects your mental health and prevents overcommitment. If any requests challenge these limits, practice saying no politely but firmly to safeguard your balance and energy.

Additional Resources for Caregivers

Finding support as a caregiver is crucial for maintaining your emotional wellbeing and ensuring you’re equipped to balance responsibilities effectively. It is not unusual for care givers to become ill themselves as delivering care day-in day-out is incredibly demanding on your physical and mental energy, not to mention how incredibly isolated you can become if you are forced to withdraw from all but your core work and social activities. It’s important to remember that your well-being must come first. You cannot provide the best care for others if you neglect your own health and burn out in the process. Here are some resources designed to aid you with emotional resilience, practical advice, and caregiving strategies.

Emotional and mental health support

NHS services like talking therapies and CBT for stress management

Access NHS mental health services for professional help in managing stress and anxiety. Programmes like talking therapies and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) offer evidence-based techniques to improve your coping skills. Visit the NHS website or contact your GP to get started.

Charities offering mental health support, such as Mind and Samaritans

Reach out to charities like Mind, which provides resources on managing stress and anxiety, or Samaritans, where trained counsellors offer 24/7 support through their free helpline. These organisations specialise in compassionate assistance, making them invaluable when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Educational resources and guides

Books on caregiving strategies and stress reduction

Explore books like The Conscious Caregiver by Linda Abbit, which offers practical strategies for reducing stress while improving caregiving effectiveness. Look for similar books focused on mindfulness and organisation to enhance your caregiving journey.

Online forums and support networks

Join caregiver forums such as Carers UK online community or Facebook groups dedicated to caregiving. These platforms are invaluable for sharing experiences, asking for advice, and connecting with others who truly understand your challenges. Mumsnet can also be useful from time to time, as it hosts a vibrant community of people, both mums and dads, that are going through what you are.

Caregiver-focused charities and organisations

Carers UK: Financial advice, helplines, and online resources

Turn to Carers UK for assistance with benefits, work-related issues, and financial planning. Their helpline offers expert advice, while resources on their website can guide you through navigating complex systems like Universal Credit or Carer’s Allowance.

Age UK: Guides for older adult care, befriending services, and advocacy

Leverage Age UK’s extensive resources for older adult care, from practical guides to accessing services to befriending schemes that combat loneliness. Their advocacy work ensures older adults and their carers receive the support they deserve.

Condition-specific charities offering tailored advice and support

Connect with organisations focused on conditions like Alzheimer’s Society, Parkinson’s UK, or Macmillan Cancer Support. These charities provide specialised advice, ranging from managing healthcare to emotional support, tailored to specific caregiving needs.

Conclusion

Balancing work with caregiving is no small feat, but with the right strategies and support, it’s a challenge you can navigate effectively. By staying proactive and adaptable, you can create a structure that works for both your professional and caregiving responsibilities.

Remember, prioritising your wellbeing is just as important as meeting the needs of others. Lean on available resources, communicate openly, and don’t hesitate to seek help when you need it. With careful planning and the right tools, you can maintain a sustainable balance that benefits everyone involved.