Caring.com
Caring.com

(800) 558-0653

Can I Work While Receiving Long-Term Home Health Care?

Date Updated: July 26, 2024

Written by:

Rachel Lustbader

Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.

Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers

Yes, you can work while receiving long-term home health care. However, the severity of your health condition might make doing certain types of work difficult or impossible. Several factors come into play. These include the nature of your health, the level of care required, job flexibility, legal considerations and the advice of health care providers.

Home Health Care and Work Dynamics

Home health care differs from in-home care. Simple assistance with daily tasks doesn’t greatly interrupt your ability to work. However, medical care following a surgical procedure or to treat a chronic condition presents a different picture. Remote work with flexible hours or a part-time schedule aligns better with receiving home health care than a job requiring your physical presence during specific hours. Assess your physical stamina and mental clarity. Chronic pain, fatigue or cognitive impairment hinder your consistency and productivity.

Also consider the legal or insurance requirements of working while receiving home health care. Some insurance policies or employment contracts have specific clauses regarding working while on long-term disability or receiving ongoing medical care. If you receive government assistance or disability benefits, employment may affect your eligibility.

The Interaction of Health, Care and Employment

Some health conditions permit a level of employment, while others necessitate full-time care. For example, a chronic illness with fluctuating severity might allow you to work during periods of remission, unlike a severe disability that requires constant monitoring and assistance. Home health care, which includes intensive medical services such as skilled nursing or therapeutic services, may complicate your ability to focus on work tasks. However, you can sometimes arrange your work schedule around your caregiver’s visits.

When considering whether to work while receiving long-term home health care, consult with health care providers. Physicians, nurses and other caregivers can evaluate your health status and functional abilities to help you make informed decisions about employment. They can also provide recommendations on balancing work and caregiving responsibilities to minimize stress and enhance well-being.

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Our Services

  • Senior Living Directory

  • Senior Care Directory

  • Caregiving Resources

  • Sitemap

  • Terms of Use

  • Privacy Policy


© 2024 Caring, LLC. All rights reserved.