Asking for time off of work to care for a parent

For people with aging parents, it’s often necessary to take time off from work to stay home and provide care to these elderly loved ones. Asking for this time off can seem like a daunting task. You may have questions about what you’re legally guaranteed from your employer. John, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, felt great anxiety when he knew he needed to approach his employer and ask for time off to care for his elderly mother. Before you discuss your situation with your place of employment, it’s important to know a few things about the right you have to care for your senior:

• Health Insurance Online explains that the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 requires employers to offer up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to eligible employees for certain family-related reasons. During that time, the employee’s job is protected. An employee is eligible for this leave if they have worked for a covered employer for at least a year, have worked at least 1,250 hours over the past year, and if the company has at least 50 employees within a 75 mile radius.
• FMLA requires companies to grant unpaid leave for an employee who must care for a parent with a serious health problem. The employee might need to provide advance notice about this leave, and may need to show a doctor’s note confirming the situation.
• If you have an elderly parent who requires care, it’s important to talk with your boss about the steps necessary to get time off. Some companies are more demanding than others when it comes to offering employees leave. While some may require documentation and advance notice, other companies are more flexible and can work with you based on your individual situation.

If you believe you’ll need time off to care for your elderly loved one, it’s important to know what rights you’re guaranteed. Look into national and state policy, as well as the rights your own company has put into place. Don’t hesitate to have an honest dialogue with your boss about your situation. Your supervisor can guide you in the right direction and help you care for your family and manage your career at the same time.