Approximately 4 in 10 caregivers experience burnout, according to a 2018 study by a leading insurance provider. While providing care for an older loved one can certainly be rewarding, it can also be time-consuming and demanding at times. Luckily, there are some ways you can create a self-care schedule that allows you to find a healthy balance in your life while also tending to your loved one’s needs.
Determine What Your Own Care Needs Are
Before exploring ways to create and implement a schedule for your own care needs, take a moment to identify what your needs actually are. Generally, most family caregivers need some time now and then to relax and recharge mentally without feeling guilty. More specific needs might involve:
Managing a chronic health condition
Finding time for your own immediate family
Staying connected to your own circle of friends
You can boost your long-term effectiveness as a family caregiver by making self-care a priority, and adding a professional caregiver to your support team can help you accomplish that. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide at-home care.Turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Get Help from Other Family Caregivers
Even if you’re the primary family caregiver for your loved one, other family members can make it easier to address your own care needs. Have a family meeting to find out who may be available to provide relief when it’s needed. If you’re able to get other family members on board, you may be able to work out a self-care schedule that allows you to:
Have a few evenings a week free for yourself
Go to regular doctors’ visits for your own care
Give yourself a chance to destress when you’re feeling overwhelmed
Get help with indirect care needs that tend to be fairly time-consuming, such as running regular errands or doing yard work for your loved one
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your caregiving responsibilities, you don’t have to manage everything on your own. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Henderson home care serviceprovider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help
Set Reasonable Boundaries with Your Loved One
Some older adults only need help with certain tasks. This may be fine at first, but it could become a problem if your loved one calls on you more often and without any clear reason. If this is your situation, sit down with your loved one. Politely and calmly explain that you need some time for your own care, and establish reasonable boundaries. For instance, you might set aside specific days or times for your parent’s recurring needs, such as grocery shopping, and ask your loved one to let you know about appointments as far in advance as possible.
Consider Respite Care
No matter how hard you try, you may simply be unable to work out a self-care schedule that’s suitable or practical. In this type of situation, respite care can be a welcome option. The purpose of respite care is to get relief when you need breaks, such as when you’re planning a vacation or recovering from a serious illness or injury, and it’s highly flexible and provided right in your loved one’s own home. What this can do is allow you to work out a self-care schedule that’s reasonable without worrying about leaving your loved one unattended. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Henderson, NV, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. Reach out to us at Home Care Assistance if you need compassionate, professional home care for your loved one. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (702) 527-7723 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.
