Caregiver support

Caring for a parent is a job, often on top of your other jobs. These resources can take some of the weight off.

Respite care

Respite gives you a break while someone else provides care. Options include in-home aides, adult day programs, and short stays in a care home. Your Area Agency on Aging may help pay for respite. See local help.

Support groups

Talking with people in the same spot helps. Local senior centers and hospitals run caregiver groups, and many meet online. For dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association helpline is open 24/7 at 1-800-272-3900.

Time off work

• FMLA: up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave a year to care for a parent with a serious health condition. Your employer must have 50 or more employees, and you must meet work-hour rules.
• Michigan earned sick time: may let you use paid sick time to care for a family member. Ask your HR office.

Signs of burnout

Watch for trouble sleeping, getting sick more often, snapping at people, or pulling away from friends. If that sounds like you, it’s time to ask for more help, and many caregivers reach this point.

Paying family caregivers

Some programs pay relatives for the care they give:

• Home Help (for people with Medicaid) can pay a caregiver your parent chooses, including some family members.
• MI Choice can let your parent hire their own helpers in some cases.
• VA programs may pay family caregivers of eligible veterans.
• A written caregiver agreement lets your parent pay you directly. Have an attorney draft it, especially if Medicaid may come later.