Just because you’re a family caregiver that doesn’t mean that is your only role in life. In fact, if you’re like most family caregivers, you’ve got a lot of other obligations on your plate. Finding the right way to balance everything takes time and attention so that you’re not unconsciously neglecting any aspect of what you’re in charge of handling.
Make Sure You’ve Got a Support Network in Place
Every family caregiver needs to have a support system. That support system varies from one situation to another, but basically you’ve got a team of people who have your back. They’re likely to be friends, family members, and other people in your life who care about you and who want you to do well. That means that they’re also willing to help you in any way that they can.
Find a Way to Organize Your Thoughts, Paperwork, and Other Items
One of the best ways to feel even more off kilter is to have a tough time finding what you need, when you need it. As a family caregiver, you’ve got to have multiple systems in place to keep you organized. It helps a lot to write things down so that you’re not keeping everything in your working memory at all times. The more organized you are, the easier it is to accomplish what you want to accomplish.
Look into What Support Systems Are in Place Elsewhere
Your employer may have additional support options available for you through workplace plans. There may also be other support systems on a local and national level that can help you to meet specific needs for your senior and for yourself. The trick at times can be locating these support systems, so don’t give up.
Get Some Hands-on Help Lined Up
You can do a lot, but you can’t do all of it completely by yourself. Having home care services providers in your corner giving your senior the help she needs when you can’t be there is crucial. This allows you to be able to handle tasks in other areas without worrying that you’re neglecting anything that your senior needs from you. This also can help to ensure that at some point you do have some time for yourself.
It’s not easy to be a family caregiver when you’ve also got so much else on your plate. Do what you can to make your life as easy as possible, including asking for help when you need it.