Can I Work While Receiving Long-Term Home Health Care?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
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
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.