From a study in the United Kingdom: one of the key elements that facilitated the ability to work and care was work related flexibility.  This took a number of different forms: part-time work, flextime, shift working or term-time working. However, this formal flexibility was not necessarily sufficient. It often needed to be reinforced by ‘informal’ flexibility, namely the willingness of line-managers or co-workers to accommodate shift changes or early or late arrivals according to the fluctuating and sometimes unpredictable demands of caring. In many cases the needs of the carers were very modest, e.g. the ability to make and receive telephone conversations at work could make a huge difference. For more information, you may read the report from the Department for Work and Pensions, Employment Support for Carers. 2009.