My mother had a stroke and needs help in the home with medications and day to day things. I moved in to care for her, and have been on FMLA, but she's not well enough to stay alone. If I don't return I'll lose my job, but feel as if I need to help mom. Is there any sort of assistance for a caregiver?
When I had to take time off to help my parents, I used my vacation days, my sick days, and days without pay. I didn't want to touch my FMLA and I was glad I didn't because a couple months later I was diagnosed with a serious illness and had to take over 2 months off from work to recover. Without that FMLA, my career would have been history.
The other option is return to work and hire staff through qualified agencies to help with activities during the day. It won't be cheap, but it's an option for you to keep your job and retain some sense of independence as well as contact with the business world.
FF's suggestion to see what's available in your area is wise; if you can arrange for enough alternates to your hands-on care, you can still work and provide the caregiving after work.
If you do go that route, some things I would consider implementing are (a) life alert pendant (2) lock box for EMS in case anything happens and they need to take care of your mother while you're at work (3) discussing with respected and helpful neighbors to watch for anything that might seem amiss (4) some type of pill management, whether it's putting out daily the pills she needs to take, or a meal by meal pill box or something similar.
Are there any other relatives in the area who can, and will help?
If you live in the States, see If your parent qualifies for Medicaid, the State might allow a trained Caregiver come in to help for a couple hours. Also check to see if your State is one of those States that has a “Cash and Counseling” program to help you out, it‘s worth looking into. Note that each State has their own rules, regulations, and programs.
Also contact your county agency on aging for programs such as Case Management, Meals on Wheels, Adult Day Care, housing, care referrals, etc,... go to the website link below.... click on your State.... now click on the city/county. https://www.agingcare.com/local/Area-Agency-on-Aging
And please come back to the forums if you have any Caregiving questions, we would be more than happy to share our experiences with you, and give you ideas on what to do.