Caregivers continue to work part-time at their job

Spencer58
Spencer58 Member Posts: 5
edited January 2016 in Caregivers #1

I am running out of FMLA and could soon lose my job and insurance and income.

I feel gulity about returning to work and not spending the time with my wife.

Do any other caregivers continue to work ? I have family members that will help out if I go back to work part time .

Comments

  • Noellesmom
    Noellesmom Member Posts: 1,859 Member
    Not sure of the details of your situation

    I have worked full time since my husband's diagnosis and treatment but it was very difficult.  

    Is your wife still undergoing treatment?

    By all means let others help, Spencer.

  • Spencer58
    Spencer58 Member Posts: 5

    Not sure of the details of your situation

    I have worked full time since my husband's diagnosis and treatment but it was very difficult.  

    Is your wife still undergoing treatment?

    By all means let others help, Spencer.

    Caregivers

    Thank you for your reply.

    She is at home under hospice care . She sleeps all day . we wake her to feed her and take care of her personal needs.

    She is completely bed riidden and can barely speak but when awake she is still aware. She is no longer under treatment except fpr meds.. The doctors sent us home 2 months ago after 9 months of treatment and said there is nothing else they can do,. She has a Stage 4 Brain tumor Gliobalstoma. I personally don't have a problem with staying home and taking care of her, but my PTO has run out and I am on  FMLA , so no more income.

    I will also have to start paying for my insurance and of course the bills don't stop coming.

    My company has offered to let me work from home but I need to go to the office 2 or 3 days a week for 6 hours a day. I have family members that will come to take care of her when I'm gone.  

    I know I need to work to be able to continue to care for her .  Was just feeiling guilty and wondering if anyone else has the same issue.

    Feeling guilty ,

    Spencer

     

  • Hussy
    Hussy Member Posts: 29
    Spencer, given your situation

    Spencer, given your situation your feelings of guilt are perfectly understandable. 

    I have continued to work full-time since my husband was diagnosed two years ago.  We are dependent on my income and benefits; there is no other way.  Family members and friends have been awesome about helping out and I couldn't do it without them.  How wonderful that you have family members that are willing to lend you a hand.   

  • Noellesmom
    Noellesmom Member Posts: 1,859 Member
    Spencer58 said:

    Caregivers

    Thank you for your reply.

    She is at home under hospice care . She sleeps all day . we wake her to feed her and take care of her personal needs.

    She is completely bed riidden and can barely speak but when awake she is still aware. She is no longer under treatment except fpr meds.. The doctors sent us home 2 months ago after 9 months of treatment and said there is nothing else they can do,. She has a Stage 4 Brain tumor Gliobalstoma. I personally don't have a problem with staying home and taking care of her, but my PTO has run out and I am on  FMLA , so no more income.

    I will also have to start paying for my insurance and of course the bills don't stop coming.

    My company has offered to let me work from home but I need to go to the office 2 or 3 days a week for 6 hours a day. I have family members that will come to take care of her when I'm gone.  

    I know I need to work to be able to continue to care for her .  Was just feeiling guilty and wondering if anyone else has the same issue.

    Feeling guilty ,

    Spencer

     

    Guilt

    Is unjustified.  

    I think your ability to work from home with some time at the office is perfect.

    Have others help as they are able.

    Don't confuse guilt with feeling responsible for her care.