Health and wellbeing is easy to take for granted when we and those close to us are enjoying good health. However, when family are unwell or unhappy there is inevitably an impact on us and we may begin to appreciate that the health and wellbeing of our close relatives can be a significant factor in our own wellbeing.
Even minor illnesses like colds and flu affecting our close family can lead to disruption if we are caring for young children, dependent adults, elderly parents or grandparents. If we are caring for dependent children or adults, we may be faced with a conflict between our work responsibilities and our family commitments. With a major illness we may find it difficult to concentrate on anything else while we are worrying about our family.
Many people faced with a situation where close relatives are ill will want to prioritise their family over work. After all, although there are many benefits from work, aside from the income we receive, most people work to support their family. However, many people recognise that decisions to stay at home when family members are ill may impact on their employer and colleagues.
What should you do if you cannot work because of concerns about ill health of relatives?
Firstly, you should discuss your concerns with your employer as soon as you are aware of the problem. Most employers will try to help you to resolve your situation.
If the situation is a crisis, many employers will allow you to take a short absence to resolve problems caused by an accident or health problem with an immediate family member. In addition, temporary re-arrangement of working hours and responsibilities may be possible, to enable you to attend appointments with your relative or visit in hospital.
If the situation looks like it will become prolonged, you may need to discuss longer term arrangements. If it is available, this could include taking time off on Special Leave or Carer’s Leave. Although usually without pay, this will enable you to concentrate on caring for your relative without worrying about your job. You may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance to replace some of your income.
You can contact the Carer’s Allowance unit for further information on how to apply.
Carer’s Allowance Unit provide information on Carer’s Allowance and how to make a claim. Telephone: 0345 608 4321. Telephone: 0345 608 4321
Website: www.gov.uk/carers-allowance-unit
Textphone: 0345 604 5312.
Opening Hours Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 5pm Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.
For some people the situation can result in the carer themselves developing a stress related illness and many GP’s will issue sick notes to the carer if they are finding it difficult to function effectively at work as a result of caring responsibilities. Whilst this may temporarily ease the pressure, it can create a new problem for the employee who may now face the consequences of their employer’s sick absence procedures. This can lead to additional pressures. Reaching an agreement with your employer about how best to support close relatives when they are ill will help you to achieve a sustainable long-term solution in these cases.
What other support is available to support carers?
Although caring for our close relatives may be a priority, there are a range of support services for people in specific circumstances. Arranging carers support when caring for close family when they are ill can help to reduce the pressure faced by the carers. In some cases, being at work can be a welcome diversion from the worries of the situation and this will benefit both the carer and the person cared for.
workplacewellbeing.com assumes no responsibility for the content of linked websites.
