Advice for Creating a Caregiving Schedule for Your Loved One

Becoming a family caregiver comes with a lot of responsibility. Now you have two lives to care for, two schedules to organize, and possibly even two houses to clean. While the number of tasks to manage can feel overwhelming, taking a structured approach can make all the difference between feeling supported or not in your caregiving journey.

Building a Caregiving Schedule That Works

A well-organized schedule is essential for successfully managing your own life, along with your loved one’s tasks like appointments, medications, and household activities.

Here are six helpful tips for building an effective family caregiving schedule.

1. Assess Your Senior Loved One’s Needs

Start off by getting a sense of your loved one’s daily routines– for instance, do they require help with bathing or getting dressed? How frequently do they visit the doctor or attend therapy? Be sure to include meal preparation, chores, and any mobility factors as well. These non-negotiables will shape the rest of the caregiving schedule.

2. Divide Tasks

Reach out to fellow family members, siblings, or friends for support. This part can be difficult depending on the circumstances, and you have to accept that not everyone may be willing to help. Gladly welcome help from those ready to offer it, because it can make this experience much smoother for you and your loved one.

When delegating duties, consider each person’s strengths and skill set, as well as how close they live to your loved one. For example, if a neighbor has a good rapport with the senior, they can stop by regularly and provide companionship, while someone who lives further away could help with more hands-off tasks like paying bills electronically or by phone.

For more ideas on splitting up tasks, the National Institute on Aging has a helpful worksheet for family caregivers.

3. Stay Organized

Using digital tools, such as a shared calendar or a caregiving app, helps each member of the caregiving team stay connected and updated on assigned tasks, schedules, appointments, etc. There are various apps available for this, each with its own benefits and features. A few you might consider are:

4. Ensure Everyone Has Time to Themselves

Even the most well-organized caregivers need time to themselves. Not only will this keep everyone mentally healthy, but it’s necessary to avoid caregiver burnout.

Ensure that everyone involved in assisting your loved one has ample time to take care of their own needs. If you are the only support system your senior has, look into respite care from a trustworthy source. Respite care from an agency like Visiting Angels can provide temporary relief for anywhere from a few hours to 24/7 care.

5. Adjust Regularly

Your caregiving calendar doesn’t need to be set in stone. After all, health conditions and life circumstances can change fast. Be open to modifying the schedule as needed, particularly if it’s not working well for you or your loved one.

6. Seek Outside Support

On your caregiving journey, it’s natural to feel a range of emotions, both positive and sometimes, negative ones. Support from others who have experienced these feelings and lived through similar journeys can be immensely relieving for you.

The Senior Service Coalition of Lake Country is a local resource that works to help improve the lives of seniors in the area. You can find a list of helpful resources and support groups on its website.

When You’re Ready for Help, Visiting Angels is Here

We’re here to help! Visiting Angels Barrington understands firsthand the challenges that come with caring for an aging loved one. It can be an endeavor full of beautiful moments but also hard ones. If you are ready to consider assistance from a professional caregiving agency, the Angels on our team will treat your loved one as compassionately as you do.

Get in touch today by sending us a message or calling 224-512-4180.