Tips for Busy Caregiver Parents
With school out for the summer, many parents around the country who are also caregivers for elderly or ill relatives may find 
themselves with less time on their hands. Both young children and older loved ones need attention, and often that means that parents are stuck in the middle balancing the responsibility of being a parent and caregiver.
Although it may seem overwhelming, there are some things that you can do to stay organized and not burn out over the hot summer months with an around-the-clock full house.
Here are some tips for busy caregiving parents.
Plan Ahead
As a caregiver, you know that life can be a bit unpredictable. You may be used to planning, so it’s likely that you have some kind of routine established. However, with the kids home full-time throughout the summer, you may need to incorporate additional schedules into your weekly plan.
- Use Sunday nights as a time to reflect on the past week, and plan for the upcoming.
- Make arrangements with friends or relatives who may be able to help with certain pick-ups or drop-offs.
- To save yourself time during the weekdays, package up some cooked lunches in Tupperware so that your kids can grab them on the go.
As a busy caregiver, you know that it’s better to be prepared than rush around to find time to get everything done at the last minute.
Get Comfortable Making Lists
In addition to planning, use list-making as a way to stay organized. You can have a running list of things that need to get done weekly, daily as well as lists for shopping excursions. Some people find gratification in crossing completed items off a list, so this may also provide some positive reinforcement to your day. It’s better to put the stuff you dread doing at the top of the list to knock it out first, making sure the rest of your day is easier on you and your family. Don’t forget to schedule time to eat and even some time for you to rest in between errands and caregiving.
Don’t Try to Be Perfect
With social media becoming such a big part of our lives, it’s easy to see the highlights of someone else’s life on the screen in front of you and think that you’re doing everything all wrong. However, the best thing to do is to try to tune out the perfectionism that may be causing you extra stress. Your loved ones are likely not as hard on you as you are on yourself, and they want you to be happy! Find the time in each day to remind yourself that you are doing the best that you can. It can be hard to believe you’re doing well every day, but you have a lot of responsibility, and the people who care about you understand that.
Ask for Help or Hire a Home Caregiving Service
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you have a spouse or older child that can help with chores around the house or errands, ask that person to help you with some of the burdens. However, if you feel that you don’t have anyone reliable to help you, then it might be time to consider hiring help, even if it’s only in the short term or temporarily.
At 24/7 Nursing Care, we can provide caregivers and companion services in your own home to fit your needs, whether the need is for someone during the day or night, or even just a few days a week. In-home care services can give you the time and flexibility you need to take care of other responsibilities while you also provide care for a loved one.
Finally, Don’t Forget Yourself
Caregiving is a full-time job that requires physical, mental and emotional energy. It’s important that you rest and recharge each day so that you have the ability to give care in the best way that you can. This may mean that you schedule yourself a short nap or even just some quiet time to yourself. Caregivers are usually selfless people, but it’s good to remember that it’s harder to take care of someone else if you haven’t taken care of yourself first.
We understand the stress and strain of being a busy caregiving parent, especially during the summer months when the kids are home from school. Give us a call to learn more about how 24/7 Nursing Care can help you with your caregiving needs. We look forward to serving you.
References:
7 Time Management Tips for Busy Caregivers. (2018, March 10). Retrieved from https://mompowerment.com/7-time-management-tips-for-busy-caregivers/
Goyer, A. (n.d.). Ways to Balance Life as a Busy and On the Go Caregiver. Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/info-2017/sandwich-generation-tips-ag.html
Goyer, A. (n.d.). Ways to Balance Life as a Busy and On the Go Caregiver. Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/info-2017/sandwich-generation-tips-ag.html
