Finding Balance Between Caregiving and Family

A growing segment of the population is caught in what is known as the “Sandwich Generation.” They are raising their own children and building their family while also caring for aging parents who may need additional assistance, especially if they have Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other challenges. It can be difficult to balance responsibilities and feel as though each group is receiving adequate care and attention. Every family’s situation is different, so it’s important to figure out what works best for you.

In recognition of November being National Family Caregivers Month, Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville offers some tips on ways that you can achieve more balance and reduce risk of burnout.

• Prioritize responsibilities. Get organized and create a schedule to keep track of what needs to be done and when. Carve out time to spend with your children and spouse, as well as time to spend with elderly parents. If your schedule is becoming too overwhelming, decide whether there are activities that you can drop or delegate to someone else. This may mean talking to your boss about making adjustments, cutting back on volunteering, or turning down certain invites. Talk with your family about deciding what is most important and not spreading yourself too thin.
• Do things together. When possible, incorporate your aging parent into events with your family. Bring them to performances, have them over for dinner, and celebrate special events together. This can work the other way too; take children over to visit and spend time with your senior and get them involved in helping out.
• Ask for help. You don’t have to do everything on your own. Reach out to other family members and delegate responsibilities. Even those who are further away can be accountable for calling each week or a few times a week to check in, planning to visit on holidays, or coordinating other types of care or planning. Use the resources available to you. Take advantage of options for in-home care that lighten your responsibilities and provide a few hours of care a week. An in-home care provider can help your senior to better manage everything that needs to be done and give you peace of mind.
• Plan ahead. If you know that there are appointments, events, or holidays coming up, try to plan in advance so that you can accommodate everything. Work with your senior to get all of their financial, medical, and legal documents in place so that when the time comes to make decisions, you’re prepared.
• De-stress. Take time for yourself to relax and unwind. Don’t push off your own needs to try to fit in everyone else’s. Make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep and exercise and eating right so that way you are in top shape. If you’re always sick, exhausted, or burnt out, you won’t be much help to anyone.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to take good care of your elderly parent in return for everything they have done for you throughout your life. However, don’t let that take over everything you do. Take advantage of resources available to you and ask for help so that you are still able to enjoy each day and spend time with your family as well. Contact Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville to schedule a consultation and find out how your loved one can benefit from senior services. Call (828) 989-7263 or visit us online for more information.