Mary Alexander: Our recent study found that 44.

4 million Americans aged 18 and older are providing unpaid care to an adult. Many of these caregivers also fulfill multiple roles and most work while managing family care giving responsibilities at the same time. For many, cutting back or giving up work all together is not financially feasible, so how does one balance work and family care giving responsibilities? Experts recommend looking at three areas to make changes. First, create a care giving team, enlist the support of family and friends or hire a professional care giving services to relieve you of having to do everything.

Second, consult your employer to see what employee programs might be available. The Family Medical Leave Act and Employee Assistance Programs are two opportunities where you might get sometime and assistance. Your employer might also be willing to consider an alternative work schedule. The third thing to do is make sure you take care of yourself; the stress of being a family care giver on top of work can run you down and make you sick as well. By taking care of your health, you will be better able to balance work and in home care and create a higher quality of life.