Balancing Life and Caregiving

Over 22 million Americans currently care for an older adult. Many care for a parent or a loved one who is chronically ill, disabled or elderly. The job of caregiving is so important but it can be a stressful one. It can take a toll on the caregiver’s emotional state, relationships, family, job and health.

If you are like many Americans, balancing work, a family, hobbies and other interests, along with caregiving can be challenging. Many times caregiving must take priority and we begin to feel like we are unable to do (or do well) the other things that matter in our lives. It is important to take time to stop and reflect on how to do the job of caregiving without compromising the other important things in our lives.

Below is a list of are some important tips that caregivers can use simplify their job and in turn, help balance their life.

Purchase Products to Help to Promote Independent Living

Over the next ten years, people age 85 and older are expected to increase by 78%. Many of them make the decision to continue to live at home to remain independent. However, as more and more seniors remain at home, they begin to experience difficulty completing the simplest of tasks and their safety at home becomes more and more of an issue. Finding and purchasing products for them to help them remain independent and safe is crucial.

Easy4seniors was founded to provide easy to use safety products for the elderly to promote independent living. The site offers bath safety products, mobility aids, easy to use cell phones and other useful products.

Ask For Help

Don’t wait until there is crisis before asking for help with your loved one. Help is available if you look for it. Consider getting help from a licensed clinical social worker or other trained professional. The internet is always a good source to find the help you need. You may also want to seek the help of professionals in the field of gerontology and geriatrics. The most important thing is to hire trustworthy and reliable people to provide assistance for your loved one.

Plan for the Future

Planning for the future can go a long way in minimizing stress for both you (the caregiver) and your loved one. Discuss their long-term care wishes before decline happens. By pre-planning, you can take the time to research your options, consult with friends and professions, and then make an informed decision without being under a tight time pressure.

Ask For Help – For Yourself

Frustration, stress, depression, anger – these are all things some caregivers experience as a result of the role of caregiving. Don’t ignore signs that you need help. Talk to others who are going through a similar situation. Find a professional to help you cope with your personal issues and frustrations.

Approach Family Members

Does your loved one have family members who may be willing to help with caregiving? If so, you should not be afraid to call and ask for help and support. Most people will help out –if asked- for a family member. One suggestion is to keep a "help list." If a family member or close friend says, “what can I do to help?” have a response: "Can you take Dad to her therapy appointment on Friday?" or “Can you pick up Moms prescription?" "Can you babysit the kids for an hour so I can get to the gym?”

Use the Internet to Stay Up To Date

The world-wide web offers us the opportunity to stay up to date on medications, treatments, facilities, support and resources related to caregiving. You may also want to consider attending caregiver conference.

Take a Break

Burnout is a common feeling of being a caregiver. Don’t feel like you can’t take a break. To provide your loved one with the best care, you may occasionally need to take a break. If so, hire someone to fill in or ask a sibling or relative to help.

Laugh

Research has shown that laughter has many benefits – one of which is stress relief. Go ahead and laugh.

Find Community Resources that Support Caregiving

Getting you and your loved one out of the house – even for a few hours – has great benefits. Locate a day program that provides social connections with peers. Your community is a great place to start the research to find local programs and services. Some offer transportation to and from the program. Getting out of the house offers the additional benefit of getting bodies moving.

Exercise and Take Care of Yourself

Exercise is a powerful intervention that helps you and your loved ones stay at their best. Get good nutrition and plenty of sleep to stay in top health. Be sure to wash your hands regularly to prevent getting colds and the flu.

Best Practice

The best strategies for effectively balancing life and caregiving include keeping your loved one as safe and independent as possible and taking care of yourself. By purchasing easy to use safety products (from sites such as easy4seniors.com) you allow your loved one to remain independent. By taking care of yourself, you will be better able to take care of your loved one.

Work to do one or more of these each day and you will find you are better able to manage balancing life and caregiving.