Working and caring
Carers of a person with a terminal illness who wish to remain in their paid employment face many additional demands on their time and energy. Being able to work can be important to:
- maintain an important part of your identity
- keep a sense of order and control in an uncertain environment
- earn income to pay for medical treatments
- provide for your family.
When Greg and I returned home from hospital, I was able to go back to work on a part-time basis, even though I much preferred to be at home with my precious husband. Throughout his illness, Greg always encouraged me to maintain some interests away from home. However, every time the mobile phone rang, my heart would sink – what had happened at home? Was everything OK?
If you are continuing to work, you may feel particularly vulnerable about your situation and it is your choice whether you share this information with your employer and work colleagues. Some people choose to keep this information private because their workplace is an “escape” where life continues as “normal” and where they feel they are treated as “normal”. Others may choose to confide their situation to their employer and close work colleagues, particularly since they may be in need of understanding and support in the workplace.
It is up to you how much you tell your employer and work colleagues, but they will be better able to understand your needs if they are aware of how your work may be affected by the changing circumstances of the person you are caring for. You may need to look at options such as working from home or taking time off for medical appointments.
It is okay to discuss your personal situation with your manager or employer. Click here (PDF 96Kb) for a page containing some tips for this conversation, should you choose to have it. For more information on working whilst caring, click here.
Working with someone who is caring for someone with a terminal illness can be stressful and upsetting for your work colleagues. It is a hard time for everyone and your colleagues may find themselves scared of saying or doing the wrong thing. It is okay to discuss your personal situation with your work colleagues so that they may understand what you are experiencing. Click here (PDF 96Kb) for a page you might wish to pass to your colleagues to explain your situation and provide them with some ideas to help them better understand your experience.
This website was developed by PCA with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. PCA is the peak national body representing the interests of people living with a life threatening illness. PCA aims to increase access to services for people living with a life threatening illness and their families and carers. To provide feedback on this website, click here (email to pacinc@pallcare.org.au).Terminology can be confusing. This website has used the following terminology:
- terminal illness - an illness which is progressive and has no cure
- life threatening illness - an illness which is very serious - a person may recover, or the illness may become terminal.
Sometimes, in other forums, the terms "life limiting" or "life shortening" are used instead of "terminal".
This website was developed by PCA with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. PCA is the peak national body representing the interests of people living with a life threatening illness. PCA aims to increase access to services for people living with a life threatening illness and their families and carers. To provide feedback on this website, click here.