Time and Advice for Good Care

An important person, sometimes the most important of all, is seriously ill and in need of care – this is an extremely stressful situation emotionally. But the physical burden on the relatives is often very high as well. Support services are available at CURRENTA. They can and should also be utilized.

My mother suddenly became very seriously ill with cancer. After chemotherapy, the doctors could no longer help her – and gave me a week to find a nursing home for her or organize home care. My father was very weak and overwhelmed himself, and I have no siblings. So I took care of everything. I contacted 29 care services. It was only with the support of the professional care advice from famPLUS that I was finally able to organize home care for my father. I was also advised here to seek palliative medical care immediately. The advice was also a great help in the application process. The actual care, the conversations, countless appointments with doctors, therapists, medical supply stores... Anyone who does not know this situation has no idea what caregiving relatives – outside their work – have to accomplish. The strain in the care situation is enormous, leisure time is not a time for relaxation," says a CURRENTA employee who wishes to remain anonymous, describing her case. "I was very glad to be able to use the two days off from the 'Time for Care' funds. And the famPLUS advice was really valuable.

Increase acceptance for the care situation

The situation regarding caregiving is discussed less openly than, for example, the need for childcare. The 'Time for Care' offer, which is funded by the Demography Fund, has so far been utilized to a limited extent. "The situation is painful; it's not easy to talk about anyway. Reactions from supervisors, such as suggesting to use flexitime instead of the two caregiving days, or comments from colleagues like 'She's visiting her father in the home again,' show that there is a lack of acceptance. Those affected then prefer to conceal their situation, do not take up the support offers, and often struggle alone and to the point of exhaustion with the situation," explains the responsible works councilor Ute Simons on the hesitation. "If the supervisor, who has to approve the application for the two 'Time for Care' days, does not respond accommodatingly, family members often give up immediately. They simply lack the strength to fight with the boss about enforcing the claim.

Make use of offers for caregivers

famPLUS, the individual and professional care consultation that CURRENTA has been providing to employees free of charge since September 2013, is, however, being more frequently and well-received. Therapy applications for a disabled child, support in care financing before the applications are approved, finding a place in a nursing home—wherever care situations raise questions, consultation with educational, gerontological, nursing, and therapeutic specialists provides help.

The care of family members in need of assistance presents our employees with increasingly significant challenges. We have created support offerings because we are aware of the need and are convinced of their benefits," emphasizes Labor Director Joachim Waldi. "I would like the offerings to be utilized and to gain more acceptance.

famPLUS - Together for your personal PLUS!