There are many reasons someone might choose to leave a CDPAP caregiver job. This could come down to having other interests or landing a new job. This article will look at how to quit a caregiving job and the process of quitting a job to be a family caregiver.
How to Quit a Caregiver Job
There are seven steps we recommend on how to quit a caregiver job. You can read through them and follow along if you decide to stop caregiving services for someone.
1. Quit the Job in Person
It’s always a good idea to resign in person for the benefit of everyone involved. When you do so, make sure that you professionally handle the process. Ensure that you treat your employer with integrity and care when you resign.
While you may choose to provide them with a letter of resignation, it’s also a good idea to have a personal conversation about the situation.
2. Provide Appropriate Notice
Make sure that you provide a reasonable amount of notice when you leave your caregiving job. In most cases, you should provide at least two weeks’ notice. If you can give additional notice, that’s also an option.
Above all, you want to be sure you never leave the person without care.
3. Be Gracious Throughout the Process
Nobody wants to leave a job on bad terms. This applies to caregiving jobs just as much as any other position. When you choose to leave the position, make sure you resign with kindness.
Not only will it make the employer more comfortable, but it gives you a positive fresh start.
4. Avoid Assigning Blame
You have your reasons for leaving a position, but there’s no reason to assign blame. If you prefer not to explain why you are leaving, that’s your decision. You can simply stay broad when the topic is brought up.
This is important to avoid hurting anyone’s feelings.
5. Follow the Lead of Your Employer
Look to your employer to determine the best way to handle the resignation. They are going to have an opinion about how things should work.
Follow their lead as you move through the resignation period before moving on.
6. Ask About Final Payments
While you are leaving a caregiving job, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be paid for the work you have done. Inquire about how and when you will receive the last payment.
Keep in mind that state laws may exist around final payments and deadlines.
7. Get Ahead of Taxes
Make sure you are prepared for taxes. For example, the family should have your new address if you are moving.
Take steps to ensure you get all the tax forms you need so you aren’t rushing to get access to them at the last minute.
Now that you have the steps for resignation, you can move on to an example letter of resignation to use.
Example of a Letter of Resignation
Dear Sir, Ma’am, or Mx.,
I, (add your name), (add employment number or other needed information), am officially informing you that I will be stepping down from my position as your caregiver as of this day, February 1, 2022, My last day of work will be on March 1, 2022.
I appreciate the (add the length of your employment) I spent working for you. I feel it is in my best interest at this time to search for new challenges and opportunities.
Sincerely,
Your Name Here
Received by: __ __
Employer & Agency
Now that you have all the information you need to make your own resignation letter, we’re going to talk about what to consider if you are quitting your job to provide care to a loved one.
Things to Consider Before Quitting Your Job
Remember that quitting is the last resort. Before you do so, think about the lost retirement income, benefits, and wages that you would need to deal with when you quit your job.
In addition, ask yourself some questions. For instance, what is the job market like where you live? Would you be able to find a new job once you have fewer or no caregiving responsibilities? Think about these things before you move forward.
Look at all the alternatives available to you, such as employer accommodations and workplace benefits. These might help you avoid quitting so you can care for a member of your family.
Make sure your employer is aware of your caregiving responsibilities ahead of time. Your employer should be aware of future situations that might conflict with work. Let them know about these situations as soon as you can. You should also be aware of the attendance policy and make sure you let them know about scheduled and unscheduled absences.
Get in touch with the state Unemployment Insurance Program (UI) before you decide to quit. Be aware of what requirements are in place to receive benefits and whether you meet them. But at the same time, be aware that these benefits won’t be a substitute for a paycheck, paid family leave, or employer-paid benefits.
If you choose to leave the job and can’t return due to caregiving, make sure to file a claim as soon as possible to establish eligibility. You should then avoid further claims. After the caregiving responsibilities are less or no longer needed, claims can be filed for any weeks left in the benefit year.