How do I apply for FMLA in NY?

tlampgere

I’m working full time and a full time caregiver to my Mom who has the beginnings of dementia with full on sundowners. I’m an only child but I do have a family friend who comes to be with her for 3 hours during the day.
Some days/nights are though and it’s taking a tool on me. Mentally, physically and emotionally, I feel like I’m losing my mom a little more everyday.
I think having the ability to take a day here and there with helping FMLA would help me but I don’t know how or where to begin. Any advise?

H1235

I would talk with Human Resources at your work. Are you working from home? Sundowning is an indication she is in stage 5. This would usually mean 24/7 care is needed. Do you have a plan B? Have you looked into memory care or a caregiver service. Many facilities can have a waiting list to get in. In home care while you work is going to be very expensive. You can only do so much. If you haven’t talked with her doctor about medication it might be helpful. It might also be good to talk with your doctor. I avoided anxiety medication for too long. I hate the idea of taking it, but it has helped a lot.

Quilting brings calm

in Illinois, it involves getting a form from your employer and taking it to your mom’s doctor to fill out. Then return it to your employer. Specify if you want a ‘full’ FMLA or an intermittent one. Full is not the right term, but I’m describing a full time off as in consecutive weeks. Intermittent means as needed to meet your mom’s needs: doctor visits etc. I did a mix. We needed to move my parents back to our home state immediately, then mom spent a week in the hospital. So I was off over two weeks. Then mom went to rehab ( after than assisted living). I switched to intermittent.

SDianeL

yes HR is where you get the form to take to the doctor. Then you return it to HR. FMLA is unpaid leave and is limited to a certain number of days per year. The good thing is it doesn’t count toward vacation or PTO. And your job is protected.