Working while looking after a parent: the week that actually holds
A guide for adult children holding down a job while looking after an older parent. Nearly three million people in the UK are in paid work while caring for someone. Two changes in April 2024 help: the Carer's Leave Act 2023 gives every employee one week of unpaid carer's leave a year, from day one, in half days if needed, which an employer can postpone but not refuse; and flexible working can be requested from day one, twice a year, with a decision within two months. Carer's Allowance is £86.45 a week from April 2026 but needs 35 hours of care and earnings under £204 a week, so most full time workers will not qualify.
A week that holds has more than one person in it: two days working from your parent's house with a lunchtime walk and meal as the anchor, a companion at midday on the office days, something that is theirs such as a lunch club, and a proper weekend visit. Set up a real desk and broadband, put the arrangement in a flexible working request, and use the time in the house as your early warning system.
On the days you cannot be there a companion does the walk, the shops, something to eat and a proper conversation, and sends a short note afterwards. Attendance Allowance, £76.70 or £114.60 a week and not means tested, will often cover it. If the week is not holding, ask the council for a carer's assessment in your own right and call Carers in Hertfordshire on 01992 58 69 69.
AirCarers Companion is help before care. Companions are not carers and do not provide personal care, medication or anything clinical. We work across Ware, Hertford, Hoddesdon, Broxbourne and the SG11 to SG14 and EN10 to EN11 postcodes. Visits start at one hour, from £25 an hour. Call 07455 750006 or email lucie@aircarers.co.uk.