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.

Strategies for Reducing Caregiver Stress

For many, making the decision to care for an aging parent seems only logical. They want to give back and support someone who always supported them and provide the best care possible. Being a caregiver can be very rewarding but also comes with its share of stress. Trying to balance your family, career, and personal life with tending to the needs of an elderly parent can be challenging, especially if their health is ailing or they live far away.

Taking on too many responsibilities and trying to juggle a jam-packed schedule can leave you feeling worn out and also take a toll on your health and wellbeing. Before you reach the point of burnout, take a step back and implement some strategies to reduce your stress and make care giving easier:

1. Schedule time for yourself. In your rush to fit everything in, how often do you take time for yourself? Make it a point to set aside time each day or week devoted to caring for yourself. Get a massage, curl up with a good book, go out with friends, or spend time on other hobbies you enjoy. This mental break can help you feel more refreshed and refocused.

2. Delegate responsibilities. You don’t have to take everything on yourself. Talk to your siblings or other family members and figure out who will handle different tasks. You can also turn to community resources for assistance and professionals such as financial planners. Be willing to let go of some control and trust others.

3. Stay healthy. If you are constantly run down, sick, or stressed, you’re of no help to anyone. Focus on eating a healthy diet, exercising, scheduling regular checkups, and getting adequate sleep. Stress can lead to poor eating habits which can mean unintentional weight gain or loss. It can also suppress your immune system leaving you more susceptible to illness. Take care of yourself so can better care for others.

4. Be realistic. Understand what is and is not within your control. Not everything has to be perfect. Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself, your senior, and your loved ones. Do your best and be content that it is good enough. Know your limits and what you can comfortably handle. There is nothing wrong with asking for help.

5. Ask for help. Family, friends, community resources, therapists, support groups, and more all exist so use them. Reach out and connect with others who are going through similar situations. This will not only help you to build a strong support network, but also gather insight and advice. You don’t have to do everything on your own.

Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville encourages caregivers to consider in-home care as well. Compassionate, well-trained caregivers provide high quality care spanning diverse needs including wake-ups, tuck-ins, organization and light cleaning, meal preparation, shopping, medication management, companionship, and conversation. Contact Always Best Care at (828) 989-7263 or visit us online to schedule a consultation today and alleviate some of the stress of being a caregiver.

4 Ways your Senior Can Benefit from Volunteering

While many people volunteer to assist seniors, there are also many seniors in the Hendersonville area who are active volunteers. Volunteering is something that can be done at any age and there are always organizations looking for help. Getting seniors involved not only gives back to the community and benefits others, but it also benefits them as well.

1. Gives a sense of purpose. After retirement sometimes seniors aren’t sure what to do with themselves. They have lost a lot of the structure to their schedule and find themselves with more free time. Volunteering can give them something to look forward to and they can take pride in knowing that they are helping others and making a positive difference. Help them to find an organization that is meaningful where they can put their skills to use. Feeling a connection to the work can be even more motivation.

2. Offers socialization. One concern that many families have about their elderly parents is worry about them being isolated. Spending too much time alone can contribute to depression as well. By getting out and volunteering they will meet others and make new friends. They can engage in stimulating conversation and simply enjoy the company. They may even find others who they share common interests with and can spend time with outside of volunteering.

3. Encourages mental sharpness. Volunteering can help to keep your senior more mentally alert. They are exercising different parts of their brain for organization, problem solving, planning, critical thinking, and other requirements of their volunteer work. They may have to think about and do things out of their normal routine. It also helps them to stay more mentally engaged and can promote self-esteem and confidence as they see the difference they are making.

4. Promotes physical activity. Volunteering allows your senior to get up and get moving. Even if they have physical limitations, they can most likely find a role that fits with their capabilities. They are not only working their gross motor skills but their fine motor skills as well. Staying active can help to reduce pain and improve overall health and wellbeing.

Explore different options available in the Asheville community and discover what would align with your senior’s interests and abilities. Encourage them to try different things until they find an activity that they like. For more options for companionship and outings, as well as assistance with activities around the home, consider in-home care through Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville. We can tailor our services to fit your senior’s needs. Contact Always Best Care at (828) 989-7263 or visit us online.