Taking on the responsibility of caring for an aging loved one can be both a difficult and rewarding experience. One of the most challenging parts of adopting this task is finding the time to continue with the other important aspects of your life, like work, hobbies and spending time with other family members and friends. The key to being a successful and effective caregiver is knowing just how to manage your time to prevent both burnout and neglect. Use these helpful tips to strike an appropriate balance in your life as a senior caretaker.
Figure out your work situation
Becoming a caregiver could mean you’ll have to cut back on work hours, and it might even mean you’ll need to take some time off. Once you decide to take on this role, you should immediately contact your employer and let him or her know your plan. AARP recommended first reviewing your company’s policy on caregivers. Go to your human resources representative and have him or her thoroughly outline your organization’s rules so that you don’t miss anything. Once you’ve been briefed on these policies, head to your supervisor and explain your situation. He or she is more likely to express concern and understanding if you go to him or her directly to divulge the details.
AARP recommended working with your employer as best you can to create a flexible situation both of you are comfortable with. Perhaps this means working from home a few days each week or changing your hours to part-time. Whatever arrangement you decided upon, make sure you’re being productive during designated work hours and being an attentive caregiver during your time off. Avoid doing chores for your senior loved one when you should be spearheading a major professional project, and put down the laptop when you should be spending time with your elderly family member.
If your job doesn’t have clear policies for how to handle caregivers, AARP recommended making your HR department aware of the Family and Medical Leave Act. This legislation entitles qualified employees to job-protected, unpaid leave for people who need to tend to elderly parents. Be sure to do some research and figure out if this act applies to your situation.
Taking on the responsibility of caring for an aging loved one can be both a difficult and rewarding experience.
Stay organized
Time management is all about balance, and effective balance depends on good organization. Senior Solutions noted that if you don’t already make lists to keep things in check, you should definitely start doing so. Every morning, create an outline for your day. Label tasks that need to be completed as either “must do,” “would be good to do” or “can wait.” This will help you tackle the major responsibilities, like refilling prescriptions, while putting less important duties on the back burner for when you have a spare moment.
Senior Solutions also explained that a big part of becoming an organized caregiver is learning to multitask. Things like folding laundry can be done at the same time as making important phone calls or watching dinner to make sure it doesn’t burn. When you leave the house to do errands, try and schedule them at one time so you aren’t constantly running in and out. Maybe you need to grab the kids from school at 3:00 – leave at 1:00 and use the next two hours to accomplish all the things you need to get done.
“Try to prioritize quality family time.”
Put things in perspective
Despite how hectic life may seem, it’s important that you try to avoid over-committing to too many duties. When in doubt, slow down and remember the most important part of being a caregiver – spending as much time as possible with your aging loved one. While you might have a hard time saying no to organizing a fundraiser at your child’s school or meeting up with friends after work, you’re better off declining and heading home to play a game of cards with your dad. It’ll likely mean a lot to him, and you’ll be glad you decided to prioritize quality family time.
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