Dealing with the declining health of a loved one can be emotionally taxing in and of itself but easily becomes overwhelming when the person is also balancing career and other family demands. According to the AARP Public Policy Institute’s 2012 report by Lynn Feinburg and Rita Choula, Understanding the Impact of Family Caregiving on Work, roughly 60% of family caregivers are employed either full or part time in addition to the care they provide for their loved one. Understanding your rights as a working caregiver can help you protect your career and enable you to take much needed time off to be with your loved one.
The Family Medical Leave Act grants eligible employees of covered employers certain rights regarding time off and job protection. Eligible employees can take unpaid time-off to provide care for a child, spouse or parent with serious health problems without risk of losing their job. Coverage and eligibility can vary by state, so it’s best to talk to your Human Resources Director to see if you and your company qualify.
For more information visit the United States Department of Labor’s website.
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