Juggling time is a challenge for even the most seasoned family caregiver. If you take care of a senior loved one, and are committed to also maintain your own obligations, here are 4 time management tips that may help you.
If you have been placed into the role of family caregiver, you are not alone. According to an AARP study, 1 in 5 adults in the US provide unpaid care for a loved one. Most family caregivers have been providing support to a loved one for over 2 years. As a family caregiver, you understand the challenges this role presents, and the juggling act of maintaining obligations, reaching personal goals, and nurturing your own family while providing compassionate support.
If you are like many family caregivers, providing care to a loved one presents challenges in your own day-to-day life. For most, the biggest challenge is balancing time. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association (APA) more than 30% of family caregivers in the US provide more than 20 hours of care each week.
What we have learned from family caregivers who reflect on respite care
At Comfort Keepers, we understand the challenges for family caregivers and the overarching obligation many feel to provide the best care to a family member. We have worked with many family caregivers within the Twin Cities community through our respite care service, and based on our conversations with family caregivers, here are 4 time management tips that may help you.
Schedule “Me” Time
Everyone needs “me” time. You cannot provide the best care for your loved one if you do not consider your own health, first. As part of your care plan for your loved one, consider scheduling in time for yourself. You can use this time to maintain your own home, spend time with other family members, pursue personal goals, and most importantly, relax and recharge. Sometimes it is easy to forget that you deserve a break. If you are worried about the health and safety of your senior loved one while you are taking a much needed break, consider partnering with an in-home care provider, like us at Comfort Keepers, who can fill in the gaps with trustworthy compassionate care. Remember, you are not alone.
Prioritize
When providing care for a loved one it is key to prioritize what care you will deliver and how. What, specifically, can deliver the biggest impact and allow them to remain in the comfort of their home on a tight schedule? Do you need assistance from other family members or an outside agency? Depending on the needs of your loved one, it may not be possible to do it all without the support of others. Remember, the needs of a senior will change over time, as will your commitments.
Don’t Be Afraid to Say “No”
Saying “no” is one of the hardest things to do when it comes to caring for a loved one, especially if they are largely dependent on your support. If you want to maintain balance l in your caregiving role, you must have boundaries for what you can and cannot do and stick to them. Remind your loved one and family that you also have your own obligations outside of your role as a caregiver, and a commitment to your own mental health. It is unhealthy for family to discourage individual expression, and it can lead to significant problems down the road.
Get Help
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to take on the role of family caregiver, it just can’t be achieved without help from others. We all need help and it is OK to ask for support when taking care of a loved one. At Comfort Keepers, we have been providing support to seniors and family caregivers for many years, and do so collaboratively to maintain the framework of care you already started. We work with you and your loved one to provide compassionate care when you need a break or additional support. This can be a few hours of care each week to around-the-clock care, depending on your needs.
Interested in Learning More About Comfort Keepers?
We would love an opportunity to learn more about you, your role as a family caregiver, and your loved one. To reach a member of our care team, call our office at (651) 372-8736 or complete the form below.
