Aligning Work and Caregiving Responsibilities: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

29 Jul 2025 · 26 min · S2 E41

Episode Aligning Work and Caregiving Responsibilities: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

0:00 26:03

Have you ever thought, "I wish I knew how to have a constructive conversation with my manager about how to align my work responsibilities and my caregiving responsibilities?" Today we're sharing strategies to help working family caregivers thrive at both work and at home. We're sharing four tips.

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we understand how caregivers often feel torn between their responsibilities at home and their professional responsibilities, which they're trying desperately to fulfill, often without support.

Connect with us and share your tips:

• Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/ • Donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCaregiversJourneys/ • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/ • Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org

Full Show Notes

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/41-aligning-work-and-caregiving-responsibilities-four-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

Takeaways

Tip 1: Self-Identify and Strategically Disclose

• Assess your company culture first • Examples of supportive company policies • Disclose early in the journey • Plan your conversation • Frame it collaboratively • Document everything

Tip 2: Build Flexibility

• Explore flexibility options in your organization • Propose pilot arrangements • Consider team involvement • Create backup plans • Leverage technology • Consider career flexibility

Tip 3: Leverage Your Resources

• Connect with colleagues who are also caregivers • Explore Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) • Look for community resources • Take things off your plate

Tip 4: Plan for the Unplanned

• Understand your benefits and protections • Create a caregiving budget • Explore financial resources • Build an emergency fund • Prepare for career transitions