Support at the end of life: How to reconcile work and care

When a loved one becomes seriously ill and there is no longer a cure, the lives of everyone involved change. Palliative care helps to make this last phase of life as dignified and pain-free as possible – but what does this mean for relatives who are also working? Many employees are suddenly faced with the challenge of reconciling their job with caring for a seriously ill family member. Emotional stress, organisational issues and uncertainty about what support options are available often make the situation even more difficult. But there are ways in which working people can manage this time.

What is palliative care?

The term ‘palliative’ is derived from the Latin word pallium (protective cover). In medicine, this means care that aims to provide relief rather than cure. Palliative care accompanies people with serious, incurable illnesses and ensures that they can lead as self-determined and pain-free a life as possible until the end. This includes

• Pain therapy and symptom relief (e.g. for breathlessness, nausea or restlessness)
• Psychosocial support for patients and relatives
• Spiritual counselling, if desired
• Organisation of care (e.g. by outpatient palliative services, hospices or specialised doctors)

Palliative care takes place either at home, in care facilities, on palliative care wards or in hospices. The decision in favour of a particular path depends on the individual situation and the wishes of those affected.

The challenge for relatives

Working relatives are often faced with a dilemma: they want to be there for their loved one, but at the same time they have to fulfil their professional duties. Many find this balancing act extremely stressful. Typical challenges for working people are

• Time constraints: Caring, medical appointments and accompanying seriously ill relatives require flexible time models.
• Emotional exhaustion: The constant worry, combined with a lack of sleep and stress, can lead to concentration problems and a drop in performance.
• Organisational hurdles: Who will take care of my relative(s) when I have to work? What financial support is available? How do I organise everything alongside my job?
• Lack of planning: The course of an incurable illness is often unpredictable. Relatives need to be prepared for sudden deteriorations.

Many people in employment are afraid to open up to their employer for fear of being seen as less capable. But the good news is that there are solutions – and companies are increasingly willing to support their employees in such situations.

What legal options are there?

In Germany, there are various regulations designed to help people reconcile work and care:

1. Caregiver Leave Act (Pflegezeit & Familienpflegezeit)

• Up to six months full or partial leave of absence possible
• Up to 24 months family care leave with reduced working hours
• Prerequisite: The company has at least 25 employees

2. Short-term absence from work

• Up to ten working days of immediate leave in the event of a sudden care situation
• Wage replacement benefit through the care support allowance

3. End-of-life care within the framework of the Caregiver Leave Act

• Employees can take three months of partial or full leave to accompany close relatives on their final journey.

4. Hospice and palliative counselling by health insurance companies

• Health insurance companies offer counselling on various support options.
• Outpatient hospice services often help with care free of charge.

It is advisable to find out about these options at an early stage. Many employers are willing to find individual solutions together.

How can companies provide support?

Companies that support their employees in caring for seriously ill and dying relatives through various measures create a caring corporate culture and thereby strengthen the loyalty of their employees. Possible measures for employers:

• Flexible working time models: Home office, flexitime or part-time options help to organise day-to-day care.
• Company contact persons: A care pilot or an internal social counselling service can provide employees with targeted support.
• Cooperation with external services: Employers who work with Viva Familienservice offer their employees professional advice and individual solutions for their care situation.
• Actively communicate leave options: Many employees do not know their rights – active information from HR departments can help here.

Viva Family Service – your partner in difficult times

As Viva Family Service, we support companies in making it easier for their employees to combine work and family life. This includes not only childcare, but also support in challenging phases of life such as accompanying a loved one in the final phase of their life. What we can do for you:

• Individual counselling: What options are there for me? How can I adapt my job? What assistance can I apply for?
• Support with organisation: We help you to find the right palliative or hospice care and clarify any unanswered questions.
• Exchange and relief: Sometimes it helps to talk to someone who has experience in this area. We are at your side as a point of contact.

Is your company already one of our customers? Then take advantage of our support! We are here for you so that you don’t have to go through this challenging time alone.

Conclusion: No one has to go it alone

Supporting a seriously ill relative in the last phase of their life is one of the most emotional and demanding experiences in life. During this difficult time, everyday working life does not have to become an additional burden. Legal regulations, supportive measures within the company and external counselling services provide opportunities to get help during this phase. As an employee of a company that works with Viva Family Service, you have a strong partner at your side. Do not hesitate to contact us. We will support and accompany you.