Balancing Family Life While Caring for a Senior Loved One
The many demands that come with helping a loved one can be downright exhausting, especially if the care recipient has a chronic health condition. When you combine these duties with active parenting, it takes an even greater emotional, physical, and mental toll on the caregiver.
Tips for Navigating the Duel Role of Parent and Caregiver
If you’re a family caregiver in Farmington trying to juggle these dual obligations, know that you simply might not be able to do it alone–and that’s okay! The following strategies, along with taking advantage of local resources, can help you achieve a more sustainable balance in your daily life.
Set Boundaries
It’s crucial to communicate clearly with the person you’re caring for. You can’t possibly say yes to everything that’s asked of you. There’s not enough time in the day, and if you push yourself too much, you’re risking caregiver burnout. Remember, caring for yourself isn’t selfish–it’s necessary!
Create a Schedule
Your plate is likely full with managing your loved one’s appointments, attending school events, and lots of other commitments in between. A weekly schedule will help you organize caregiving tasks, family obligations, appointments, and personal time. Consider using a shared calendar app to help each member of your family and caregiving team stay on track.
Include the Whole Family
If possible, set up activities that both children and seniors can enjoy together throughout the week, like trips to the library and game nights. Not only do these moments serve as an opportunity for bonding, they also help you make the most of your limited time.
Delegate
Don’t hesitate to ask others for help, whether it’s a sibling, neighbor, or friend. If you have older children, they can also participate in the care of elderly family members. These support people can take on both caregiving and home life tasks, like cooking meals, cleaning your home, or picking up your kids from school. Chances are, they’ll happily pitch in to make your life easier.
Utilize Respite Care
In addition to seeking support from your circle, home care agencies like Visiting Angels Farmington offer professional respite care services for families in your situation. Respite care gives family caregivers an opportunity to temporarily step away from their duties and focus on other aspects of their lives. This can be particularly beneficial when your child is sick, you want to take a vacation, or a last-minute emergency pops up.
Local Support Resources in Farmington/Cape Girardeau Area
The following resources can be helpful additions to your caregiving journey:
- Farmington Oaks Senior Center: Offers events, activities, and opportunities for socialization for seniors, which allows caregivers to take a break.
- Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging: Provides support groups and respite care programs for family caregivers.
- Farmington Public Library: The library often hosts family-friendly events and movie nights that are perfect for different generations to attend together.
Visiting Angels Helps Support Family Caregivers
At Visiting Angels Farmington/Cape Girardeau, we understand the challenges family caregivers face and aim to support them in any way we can. Between respite care and our other flexible home care services, we can become a partner in your caregiving journey to help support your loved one as they age safely. Call us at 573-664-1722 to find out more today!