Can someone tell me how I should handle my work situation?

If you have an HR dept, you need to address this with them. FMLA is federal law, your job is required to accommodate your need for time off. FMLA doesnt exclude “caregiving”. It INCLUDES it.

So sorry but I found working that companies are not sympathetic to things like this. Last place I worked I received vacation, sick and personal days. Once they got used up, I got written up if I took xtra time. I could not make a couple of Saturdays (had to work one Saturday a month) because I watched my Grandson while my daughter worked. They didn't care. Find someone else.

There is no law that they have to give time off for Caregiving. Actually, my state they can let u go for any reason and not tell you why. Its called "fire at will". It also works the other way. You don't have to give 2 weeks.

Allcaredout1, I had the same issue with my Manager [The Devil Wears Prada] as she had zero empathy to what I was going through. I used my vacation days, and my sick days, and days without pay. There was no way I could present my case to get fair treatment.

Eventually I had to learn to group my parent's appointments so if I was taking a day off, then my folks saw several doctors during that day. If they were using the same doctor, then back to back appointments.

After one year of doing this, one day I found out my position was eliminated as the work had been given to other employees, and well, I was no longer needed. There went my salary, health insurance [was able to get COBRA but it was costly], no longer would have matching funds to my 401(k) and profit sharing. And the manager had the nerve to tell everyone I was "retiring" :P

With regard to FMLA [Family Medical Leave Act], I am glad that I didn't use any of it to help with my parents. As out of the blue I had to use it for myself when I had a serious illness and had to be out of work for 3 months.

Luckly I found new employment, and the manager was very understanding as he was caring for his wife who had Alzheimer's. I could easily dash out the door saying I was needed at home. No issues with taking time off, etc. And I was able to fill in for him when he had to dash out the door, etc. What was missing were all the benefits I had at my previous employment, but taking time off was the number 1 priority.

Oh, later on my Dad had a daily caregiver which he was paying, and she would take him to all of his doctor appointments. It was a saving grace for me, but I know not everyone is able to budget for such an expense.