Mitesh Tailor, AV Director at Vizeum is currently caring for his Father who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s 15 years ago at the age of 50. He is currently at the advance stages of the illness and his mother is his primary carer, whilst Mitesh is his secondary carer.

What new process or routines have you adopted whilst working from home and being a career?

During lockdown, working from home created some initial challenges but I quickly established a few new processes and routines which helped me to adapt quickly to my new working environment.

• Replying to emails in the morning before my father wakes up and his morning routine begins.
• Schedule calls during the afternoon when why father has an afternoon nap
• Being organised with any medical appointments and informing my team and leaders in advance
• Keeping the family informed of any video calls to prevent any distractions or disturbances as my father tends to wonder around the house.

The most important part of the whole process is to communicate and be transparent with your leaders and your team.

What are you finding most surprising about your new routine?

If someone was to ask me before lockdown, if I could work from home on a full-time basis, my response would had been very different to what it is today. My Initial concern was whether I could have a healthy work/life balance and if that was possible when working from home. I am most surprised that the processes and routine that I have imbedded, has allowed me to maintain my productivity at work as well continue to care for my Father and be that support mechanism for my Mother.

Do you have any tips or ideas for other parents or carers across Dentsu to help with their daily routines?

When caring for someone else, you often forget to care about yourself. It is important to also look after your own wellbeing. I would recommend finding an activity/hobby that allows you to escape from your everyday routine. My escape is to go to the gym first thing in the morning, whilst everyone is still asleep. This allows me to have some time for myself and ensures I have a good start to the day. Maintaining this routine helps structure my day, however if it is not possible I will always try to dedicate just an hour of my day for myself.

Whilst the last few months have been difficult for everyone as they have not been able to see family and friends, it is important that you maintain regular contact with your loved ones as carers also need a support network.

Being a carer can be a difficult subject to talk about, which I have found myself. However, speaking  about my home life with my line leaders has not only helped them understand some of the difficulties and challenges I face at home, but has also helped me alleviate some of my stresses and concerns.