Caring for a senior parent or family member is a rewarding and meaningful experience, but it can have moments of stress and concern. Between work, family, caregiving, and time for yourself, it may seem like there are not enough hours in the day. In these moments, it’s vital to find a healthy balance between all the different hats you wear every day.
Our all-inclusive senior living communities understand how much goes into caring for a senior, so we want to help you on your caregiver journey. To do this, our Senior Solutions Management Group team is sharing tips on finding balance in your life as a family caregiver.
Get Organized
Your caregiving tasks alone could get out of hand if you do not stay organized. Managing a calendar full of doctor appointments, errands like trips to the grocery store or pharmacy, prepping meals, and maintaining a morning and evening routine for yourself, your loved one, and your family are enough on their own. Now add all of these tasks on top of your job, other responsibilities, and self-care. Without organization, you would be scrambling to get everything done, might overlook something important, and likely skip the items that you deem “relaxing.”
Additionally, it is a good idea to organize and keep all of your family member’s important documents in one place – medical records, financial details, etc. This could be especially beneficial for keeping track of how your loved one’s medical conditions change or progress over time. You never know when you may need these documents, but you will be glad everything is in one place when you do.
Stay organized by making to-do lists and marking all appointments on a calendar or in a planner. Find what organization methods work for you and implement them into your caregiving routine.
Prioritize & Practice Self-Care
Before an airplane takes off, you are instructed to put on your oxygen mask before assisting anyone else in case of an emergency. Why? Because you cannot help anyone unless you take care of yourself.
You can transfer the same idea to caregiving. If you are not healthy and feeling your best, you will not be able to provide the best care possible for your parent or family member.
Making yourself a priority is a must. Maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and taking some time for yourself to refresh are all part of being a good caregiver.
Talk to Your Boss
If you have a full-time job, the best thing you can do when balancing this and caring for a senior parent is to talk to and be honest with your boss. Some companies have family caregiver policies and benefits that can help you manage all of your responsibilities.
There may be days when you are late, have to leave early, or need to call out altogether. Informing your boss ahead of time about caring for your loved one will help make these situations easier and help you find balance.
Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help
You are only one person; it is okay if you need help from time to time. Balancing your career, family life, and caregiving responsibilities is a lot, and you should not feel guilty for not being able to do everything on your own.
If you feel overwhelmed, do not be afraid to ask for help or support. Enlist the help of other family members but be specific with what you need them to do. If this is not an option, respite care can be a great way to give yourself a break while knowing that your loved one is well taken care of.
Many of our all-inclusive senior living communities offer respite care services that allow you to handle other responsibilities without having to worry about your loved one’s well-being. These services include:
- Short-Term Care with No Contracts
- Customizable Personal Care Plan
- Responsive 24-hour Nursing Care
- Overnight Safety Checks
- Three Restaurant-Style Meals Daily
- Fully Furnished Apartment
- Housekeeping, Laundry, and Linen Services
- On-Site Beauty and Barber Salons
- Full Access to Social, Educational, and Wellness Activities
The role you have taken on is one that you and your family member will cherish. Enjoy the extra quality time you have together but remember to prioritize yourself as well. For more information about our all-inclusive senior living communities and services, we invite you to contact Senior Solutions Management Group today.
