Friday, July 12, 2019

Caught In The Middle – Caring For Adults

In 2015, 13.5% of Americans provided care for an elderly relative, many of them doing so while also caring for one or more children. This makes them part of the sandwich generation, and the burdens can be tremendous. If you find yourself in this position, there are actions you can take to lighten your load.

Get Help

Solicit other family members to visit, freeing you up for a few hours at a time. Cutting down on errands can make the weeks less chaotic, so where possible outsource mundane time-consuming tasks. Order groceries and household goods online for delivery or quick pick up.  Have a restaurant delivery service like DoorDash help you put dinner on the table after a hectic day. Send the laundry out and bring a house cleaner in. Many public transit systems offer special services for the disabled and elderly, handy for occasional rides to doctor and dentist appointments.

Become a Care Giver

You are primarily a daughter and think of them as Mom and Dad, but you may want to consider establishing an official caregiver-client relationship. Contacting an organization that specializes in adult foster care service Massachusetts can have several advantages. Most importantly, it gives you access to support from professional care managers and registered nurses. Knowing you have resources and a team behind you can help you feel more confident and less alone in your situation. Additionally, once you become a recognized caregiver, you are entitled to a stipend that is not taxed, money that can come in handy in multiple ways. 

Take Breaks

Most jobs come with break time built in; this should be no different. If you are regularly caring for others’ needs, your mental health requires you to take care of your own as well. Short daily and weekly breaks must be built in to your routine, perhaps in the form of yoga classes or Saturday lunches with friends. Occasional vacations and weekend getaways are essential to keep you refreshed and energized. Remember, to properly take care of your loved ones you must take care of yourself.

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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