INTRODUCTION

Two-thirds of caregivers in the United States 

work outside of the home. This creates a 

unique challenge for both working caregivers 

and their employers. Juggling caregiving and 

work-related responsibilities is not easy and 

some caregivers find it necessary to turn 

down job opportunities, quit their jobs, or take 

early retirement. Employers face the costs of 

replacing valuable employees. By working 

together, employees and employers can create 

a workplace environment that is productive 

and meets everyone’s needs.

Below you will find information on how to 

cope with the stress and emotions related to 

caregiving and suggestions on how you can 

better balance caregiving and work 

responsibilities.

CAREGIVER STRESS

By developing some coping strategies, you 

may be able to avoid reaching the point of 

exhaustion and burnout. You are 

experiencing burnout if you become numb to 

your loved one’s needs and feelings and you 

just don’t care. Don’t let it go that far; it may 

be difficult or impossible to recover.

• Remember you are not alone. 

• Seek out resources that can assist you 

during this emotionally stressful time 

(books, organizations, web pages, and 

support groups).

• Find an Eldercare Specialist, a trained 

expert, who can help you find the services 

and support you need. Set a positive tone. 

EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT THE DISEASE 

OR MEDICAL CONDITION

Whether you care for someone with heart 

disease, stroke or dementia or whether care 

takes place in your own home or at a distance, 

many of the daily challenges are similar. 

• Learn new information and skills and 

learn how to adapt to the challenges you 

encounter. 

• Get up-to-date and accurate information 

through books, fact sheets and brochures 

regarding your relative’s condition. 

• Contact the appropriate disease-related 

organization, that can guide you to other 

resources such as hospital-based 

education programs and support groups.

CAREGIVER EMOTIONS 

Providing care for someone you love who is 

no longer able to take care of him- or herself 

produces a wide range of emotions. It’s 

natural to feel sadness and grief for your 

loved one’s losses and for the loss of your 

own previous life. Over time, more emotions 

may surface

YOU MAY HAVE DAYS WHEN YOU FEEL:

• Angry and resentful

• Guilty and impatient

• Ashamed and lonely

Working Caregivers Finding a Balance
• Sorry for yourself

• Fearful of the future

Some of these may shock you or seem “bad.” 

These feelings aren’t self-centered or wicked. 

It is a normal response to the extreme changes 

that providing care can bring to your life.

As a caregiver, you donate a great deal of 

your time and energy to someone else’s 

needs, and often ignore your own. When 

difficult emotions surface, remember that you 

have your own needs. Let your feelings 

prompt you to do something for yourself. 

Take a break: watch the birds, read a 

magazine, listen to a favorite song, or just 

meditate.

REACTION TO LOSS AND CHANGE

There are many losses as one deals with 

change. Recognizing these will help one 

address them.

• Guilt 

• Sadness

• Anxiety

• Withdrawal

• Irritability

• Feeling overwhelmed

• Anger/frustration

• Feeling helpless

• Change in appetite

STEPS FOR COPING WITH LOSS

• Talk about your feelings: 

Reach out to others (friends, family, 

spiritual leaders) – this will help 

reduce feelings of isolation.

• Join a support group: 

Support groups provide caregivers 

with the opportunity to share with 

other caregivers and learn from one 

another.

• Write your feelings down: 

For people who enjoy writing, this can

be a wonderful way to express 

feelings.

• Read a book on coping with grief:

 There are several books available on 

 the issues of caregiving, grieving and 

 loss.

• Get help when needed: 

Professionals are available and a third 

party analyzing the situation can be a 

reliable ally. The Internet is another 

resource for finding help nationally 

and in your community. 

The U.S. Administration on Aging’s 

Eldercare Locator 

http://www.eldercare.gov/ or 

(1-800-677-1116) can connect you to 

services in your community.

WORKING AND CAREGIVING: FINDING 

THE BALANCE

• Prioritize your time at home and at 

work. Keeping a calendar of activities 

helps to identify priorities. 

• Learn to delegate. Share your 

responsibilities with others. Do not be 

afraid to ask for help. It is not a sign of 

weakness.

• Help your company recognize your 

needs and the needs of other employed 

caregivers.

• Keep communication channels open

with your supervisor or your Human 

Resource department.
• Utilize your company’s available 

resources. Remember that businesses 

want and need to keep good workers. 

They want to provide support for their 

 employees.

• Use your vacation time and make sure 

the time is spent nurturing you.

• Make time for you. Do what works for 

you. Spend time with friends, family 

members, or participate in a group. 

Spend time alone. Plant a garden, go for 

long walks, read, take a hot aroma 

therapy bath. Do whatever it takes to 

nurture yourself. Always include doing 

things that are important to you.

Information provided in this fact sheet was 

adapted from materials submitted by St. 

Andrew’s Caring Workplace, St. Louis, MO. 

For more information visit their website at

http://www.caringworkplace.com

For more information about ACL

U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Community 

Living, Washington DC 20201

Phone: (202) 619 – 0724

Fax: (202) 357 – 3555

Email: ACLinfo@acl.hhs.gov

Web: http://www.aoa.gov