Save Time and Energy

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Caregiver burnout is very real, so it’s crucial that caregivers take care of themselves, too. After all, if caregivers are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, they can’t provide the best care for their senior loved one.

But many caregivers find that the biggest challenge they face is not having enough time to do all of the things they want to do for their loved one. Transporting them to appointments and activities, managing meal planning and medications, and assisting with housekeeping needs all take time and effort.

It can be especially challenging if you have other obligations like raising children, working, and taking care of your own family’s everyday needs. So, rather than run yourself ragged and risk falling ill yourself, here are some tips that may help you to be a great caregiver to others while giving yourself a little care and kindness, too.

  1. Consider a transportation service for your loved one. Many cities have senior transportation services that cater to older adults specifically, and they will pick up your loved one at their door, help them to the vehicle, take them to appointments, wait with them and drive them home again. Some are free while others charge a small fee, but be sure to check their safety protocols, references and online reviews before giving it a try.
  2. Ask relatives, neighbors or friends for help. Asking for help is something many caregivers find difficult to do, and it may seem as if you are shirking your duties. But in reality, having help from trusted friends or relatives is good for you and for your senior loved ones. They get socialization, and you get a breather. Ask for help with specific duties, like housekeeping, shopping or meal preparation and have your helpers follow all the necessary safety protocols.
  3. Employ a food delivery service. Since COVID-19 arrived, more and more food delivery services are popping up, and caregivers can order everything from prepared meals to groceries delivered to their loved one’s door, saving time and reducing stress at the grocery store. The delivery drivers do not even need to have any direct contact, and can drop items on the doorstep. Just be sure your loved one knows to bring their items indoors after delivery.
  4. Ask your loved ones’ health providers for telehealth options. Telehealth is being provided by most insurers and healthcare providers. As a caregiver, this can be a great option to not only save you time in arranging transportation and time off, but it’s safer for your senior loved one, too. Rather than travelling, parking and waiting at the doctor’s office, you can sit with your loved one at home and speak to the provider at the appointed time via an online platform.
  5. Contact your local senior center for help. Many senior centers offer online exercise classes and activities that your elderly loved one can participate in from their home or their room at a senior living community. Find an online class they enjoy and that they can try at a certain time every day using their computer. Some senior centers offer classes in computer use, social media, using Zoom and other activities to keep your loved one entertained, giving you peace of mind and some time off.

If you are feeling overwhelmed with your caregiving duties, there are many resources available to caregivers via websites like aarp.org  and usa.gov. Your local government likely has a department or agency dedicated to helping older adults as well.

Also, as COVID-19 remains a threat, make sure everyone who comes in contact with your loved one is practicing social distancing, wearing masks and using safety protocols as required. Different parts of the country are handling the pandemic differently, so please check with your health department to be sure of the regulations in your area before allowing others to have contact with your loved one.

With COVID-19 still a risk throughout the country, being careful is paramount. But even caregivers need a break from the intense world of caregiving, especially during this challenging time, so don’t be shy about asking for a little assistance from those around you.