As an assurance manager and caregiver, Rosemary balances her career while caring for her father, who is battling early-onset Alzheimer’s. She expresses gratitude for her compassionate colleagues and RSM’s benefits and flexibility support, which help her manage both roles.
In her own words:
In early 2021, everything changed for my family. My father, Tim, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and life as we knew it was turned upside down. Knowing that my father would need increasing care, I made the decision to move closer to my parents to be there for him, my mother, Laurie, and my younger siblings, David and Zoe. Supporting my family during this difficult time has been both a challenge and a privilege, and I am grateful to be recognized as the Family First employee network group 2024 Working Caregiver of the Year at RSM.
Since my father’s diagnosis, his condition has continued to decline, requiring more hands-on care. Working at RSM has been a blessing in this regard, providing me with the flexibility to work from my father’s house multiple days a week. This arrangement allows me to assist with his care while my mother is at work and my siblings are focused on their studies. Additionally, I took advantage of the RSM’s family caregiving leave, which has been invaluable during critical times such as medical appointments. I am deeply grateful to be part of an organization that understands the importance of family and supports my dual role as a caregiver and a professional.
My experience as a working caregiver has been a blessing. The firm, my local office and my teams have all rallied around me, offering the flexibility and support I need to succeed. When I decided to move states to become a caregiver, my manager was immediately on board, helping me figure out the best way to approach this transition. This level of support has made all the difference, allowing me to manage my responsibilities at work while being there for my family.
Managing my time and energy as a caregiver and a professional is undoubtedly one of the most challenging aspects of my role. I rely on organizational tools to keep track of my commitments, such as scheduling caregiving time in my Outlook calendar to prevent conflicts. Also, RSM’s digital capabilities and mobile access allow me to stay connected with my teams even when I’m away from my computer. These tools, combined with my colleagues' support, help me balance my responsibilities.
I am touched to receive this award because it shows that I have been able to maintain my commitments to my family and my work. It’s comforting to know that the efforts I am putting into supporting my father and family are acknowledged. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me.
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