5 Tips for the Working Family Caregiver

Being a family caregiver is tough, especially if you are working at the same time. Here are 5 tips that can help you make the experience more manageable. 

Adjusting to life as a family caregiver in Logansport can be tough, especially if you're also trying to maintain a full-time job at the same time. Burnout for family caregivers is common and can have a negative effect on your health if you don't address it. Before we jump into our tips, be aware that Comfort Keepers can help by providing compassionate in-home care services if you are in need of a break from your caregiving responsibilities. We are here to help and are just a call or email away. 

Here are five tips to help you manage your time and provide the best care you can for your loved one. 

1. Set realistic expectations for yourself and your family.

2. Communicate with your employer about your caregiving duties.

3. Make time for yourself even if it's just a few minutes a day.

4. Join a support group to connect with other family caregivers in the Logansport area.

5. Seek help from a reputable in-home care agency in your community. 

Set realistic expectations for yourself and your family

Whenever possible, set realistic expectations for yourself and the senior in your care. This will make your experience manageable. Talk to your family and make sure that they fully understand the undertaking of being a family caregiver and that some compromises may need to be made. This would be a good time to also get other family members involved if they would be willing to share some of the caregiving duties. Setting expectations is a great way to get everyone on board and communicating as a team. You should also set expectations for the person you are caring for. It is important to make sure that they are aware of your obligations outside of being a caregiver and that you have boundaries. Effectively communicating how you can help and what you can't do (or don't want to do) will help guide your journey as a caregiver. and maintain transparency. 

Communicate with your employer about your caregiving duties

Your caregiving role is an incredibly important one, and it's essential to communicate effectively with your employer about your caregiving duties and how they are going to impact your life. Creating a dialogue that outlines the main responsibilities you have as a family caregiver will help ensure both you and your employer are on the same page. Chances are your employer will be understanding and may be more flexible with you or provide resources that can help. Keep in mind, 22% of adults provide care to a loved one, your employer may have experience with other employees trying to balance caregiving and work obligations.  

Make time for yourself – even if it’s just a few minutes a day

It’s no secret that caregiving can often be a daunting responsibility; it’s easy to become bogged down by the emotions and time commitment required to do it effectively. However, carving out even just a few minutes each day for yourself can make a big difference in your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Self-care is not selfish. Investing a little bit of time every day in yourself can help you maintain and restore the energy you need to be an effective caregiver. As Norm Kelly said, "You can't pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first."

Join a support group or connect with other family caregivers online

As a family caregiver in Logansport, you don't have to brave this journey alone. Support groups and networking opportunities are available for connection with other caregivers like yourself. By joining them not only can resources be accessed but comfort gained from knowing experiences are shared among peers who understand the path upon which you are traveling down. Seek out those connections today!

Seek the help of an in-home care agency.

Through companionship and assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing and meal preparation, a professional in-home care agency can make life easier for you and your loved one. Not to mention, it can also give you peace of mind knowing your elderly loved one is getting the best possible care. Comfort Keepers has been helping seniors, and other adults, in Logansport and the neighboring communities for years. We are a trusted provider of in-home care and would love an opportunity to help you. 

Conclusion

Caring for a loved one can be both rewarding and challenging. By setting realistic expectations, communicating with your employer, making time for yourself, joining a support group, and seeking the help of an in-home care agency, you can make the most of your caregiving experience. If you would like to learn more about how in-home care can support you and your loved one, call our team today. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.