Balancing Elderly Care, Work, and Self: Practical Caregiver Tips
October 31st, 2023Caregiver Service, Companion Caregiver, Elderly Care, in home care assistance, Polish Care Services,
Managing the multiple roles that come with being a caregiver who provide elderly care for loved ones, an employee, and an individual with personal needs can feel like walking on a tightrope. The challenge intensifies when trying to excel in each area without compromising the others.
Along with ensuring the welfare of the person you’re caring for, you must foster your own mental and physical well-being. This article, courtesy of Polish Care Services, shares actionable tips for any caregivers navigating the intricacies of work, caregiving, and personal life.
Prioritizing Essential Tasks
When juggling roles as varied as caregiving, working, and personal development, prioritization becomes a crucial skill. Focus on tasks that are time-sensitive and essential to the well-being of your elderly loved one.
Prioritizing allows you to allocate your energy and time more efficiently, ensuring that you’re not overwhelmed by less important tasks. You can act more decisively and effectively when you know what needs immediate attention.
Acquiring an Online Degree
The juggling act between work and caregiving is complicated. Still, it doesn’t mean your career should come to a halt. Virtual learning has made it feasible for caregivers to consider furthering their education.
Enrolling in top-rated masters in nursing programs online, for instance, can be an excellent way to climb the career ladder while still attending to your caregiving duties. The flexible hours and online modules make it a perfect fit for your stringent schedule.
Implementing a Structured Routine
Life becomes a lot less chaotic with a well-thought-out schedule. Assigning specific time slots for different responsibilities (e.g., caregiving, professional work, personal activities, etc.) will help you maintain a routine. Consistency in following the schedule imparts a sense of discipline and ensures not a single aspect of your life is neglected.
Digitized All Important Documents
The modern world offers plenty of digital solutions that can make a caregiver’s life easier. One such example is using a mobile scanning app to store and share digital documents like legal paperwork. Having all your essential documents in a digital format makes them easily accessible and shareable, which can be a real time-saver in emergency situations.
Focusing on Personal Health
Caregiving is a demanding job, both physically and emotionally. But no caregiver who provides elderly care or other task can offer the best care if they’re not in their best shape. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is non-negotiable. From getting enough sleep to eating balanced meals and exercising regularly, personal health should never take a back seat.
Utilizing Organizational Tools
Keep your tasks and responsibilities neatly organized by employing the use of digital tools or traditional planners. An organized approach simplifies the coordination of caregiving duties, work commitments, and personal activities. Calendars or task management tools can be excellent allies in staying organized, enabling you to fulfill your roles more efficiently and with less stress.
Reaching Out for Support
It’s okay to ask for help. Elderly care caregiving is often emotionally and physically draining, and doing it all on your own is impractical and detrimental to your well-being.
Reach out to friends, family, or community support groups to share responsibilities or emotional burdens. No one is an island, and a little help can go a long way in reducing your stress levels.
You might also benefit from hiring people to help with your caregiving duties. Polish Care Services offers a range of cleaning and caregiving services, all of which we carry out with compassion and professionalism.
Retaining a Sense of Individuality
Don’t forget to enjoy life amid the hustle and bustle. Your hobbies and personal interests are not frivolous but essential for your mental well-being. They offer an avenue to detach, relax, and rejuvenate. Setting aside time for activities that bring you joy can remarkably improve your mood and efficiency, making you a happier and thus better caregiver.
Summary
Striving to excel as a caregiver, a working professional, and an individual with a personal life may seem like a Herculean task, but it’s certainly possible. You can successfully balance these multifaceted roles by prioritizing tasks, enhancing your skills through education, adhering to a structured schedule, digitizing documents, staying organized, and focusing on self-care. Remember that a balanced life is not a myth but a realistic goal; the tips above can be your roadmap to achieving it.
Credit: June Duncan
58 Ways To Keep Seniors Safe In Their Home
October 16th, 2023aging in place, Caregiver Service, Companion Caregiver, In Home Care, in home care assistance, Senior Care Services,
Many seniors prefer to live independently in their own homes for the comfort, satisfaction of familiarity and self-reliance; however, this can also pose some risks and challenges. To ensure their safety and comfort in their home, here are 58 ways that can help seniors stay safe in their homes:
– Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor and test them regularly.
– Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and other areas where fires may occur.
– Avoid using candles, matches, or lighters near flammable materials or curtains.
– Replace frayed or damaged cords and plugs of electrical appliances and devices.
– Use surge protectors and avoid overloading outlets or extension cords.
– Turn off appliances and devices when not in use or before going to bed.
– Keep a flashlight and extra batteries in an accessible location in case of a power outage.
– Install grab bars and non-slip mats in the bathroom, especially near the bathtub, shower, and toilet.
– Use a shower chair or bench if standing for long periods is difficult or risky.
– Adjust the water heater temperature to prevent scalding or burns.
– Keep medications in their original containers and store them in a cool, dry, and secure place.
– Dispose of expired or unused medications properly and safely.
– Follow the instructions and dosages of your medications and supplements carefully and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
– Use a pill organizer or dispenser to help you remember when to take your medications and supplements.
– Keep a list of your medications, allergies, medical conditions, and emergency contacts in your wallet or purse and on your refrigerator door.
– Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace if you have a chronic or serious condition that may require immediate attention.
– Keep a first aid kit stocked with bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and other essentials in an accessible location.
– Seek medical attention promptly if you experience any signs or symptoms of a stroke, heart attack, infection, or other serious condition.
– Schedule regular check-ups and screenings with your doctor and dentist and follow their recommendations for preventive care and treatment.
– Get vaccinated against seasonal flu, pneumonia, shingles, COVID-19, and other diseases that may affect seniors more severely.
– Eat a balanced and nutritious diet that meets your dietary needs and preferences.
– Drink plenty of water and fluids to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration.
– Limit your intake of alcohol, caffeine, salt, sugar, and processed foods that may affect your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, or weight.
– Take vitamin D and calcium supplements to support your bone health and prevent osteoporosis.
– Exercise regularly to maintain your strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance. Choose activities that you enjoy and are suitable for your fitness level and abilities.
– Consult your doctor before starting a new exercise program or changing your existing one.
– Warm up before exercising and cool down after exercising to prevent injuries or soreness.
– Wear appropriate clothing, footwear, and equipment when exercising.
– Avoid exercising outdoors when the weather is too hot, cold, humid, or polluted.
– Stay indoors or seek shade when the UV index is high to prevent sunburns or skin cancer.
– Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and protective clothing when exposed to the sun.
– Avoid smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke that may increase your risk of lung cancer, COPD, heart disease, stroke, and other conditions.
– Manage your stress levels by practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi, or massage.
– Seek professional help if you experience any signs or symptoms of depression, anxiety, dementia, or other mental health issues.
– Stay socially connected with your family, friends, neighbors, community groups, clubs, or organizations that share your interests and hobbies.
– Use technology such as phone calls, video calls, emails, text messages, social media, or online platforms to communicate with your loved ones and access information and services.
– Learn new skills or pursue new hobbies that challenge your mind and keep you engaged and stimulated.
– Play games or do puzzles that improve your memory, concentration, logic, or creativity.
– Read books or magazines that expand your knowledge or entertain you.
– Watch movies or shows that make you laugh or inspire you.
– Listen to music or podcasts that soothe you or motivate you.
– Keep a journal or diary that helps you express your thoughts and feelings.
– Volunteer for a cause or organization that aligns with your values and passions.
– Adopt a pet or plant that provides you with companionship and responsibility.
– Review your finances and budget and plan for your future needs and goals.
– Seek advice from a financial planner, lawyer, or accountant if you need help with managing your money, assets, or taxes.
– Update your will and estate plan and inform your family or beneficiaries of your wishes.
– Review your insurance policies and coverage and make any changes or adjustments as needed.
– Declutter your home and belongings and donate, sell, or discard anything that you no longer need or use.
– Organize your home and belongings and label, store, or display them in a way that makes them easy to find and access.
– Make your home more accessible and comfortable by installing ramps, rails, lifts, or other devices that help you move around or reach things.
– Make your home more energy-efficient and eco-friendly by using LED bulbs, smart thermostats, solar panels, or other products that reduce your electricity consumption or carbon footprint.
– Make your home more secure and safe by installing locks, alarms, cameras, or other systems that deter intruders or alert you of any threats.
– Hire a professional or ask a friend or family member to help you with any home repairs, maintenance, or improvement projects that you cannot do yourself.
– Consider hiring a caregiver, housekeeper, gardener, chef, homemaker or companion or other service provider to help you with any personal care, household chores, or other tasks that you need assistance with.
– Consider using a delivery service, online shopping, or curbside pickup to order groceries, meals, medications, or other items that you need or want.
– Consider using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxi services to get around if you do not drive or have a car.
– Consider joining a senior center, assisted living facility, or retirement community if you need more social interaction, support, or care.
This is an extensive list to ensure the safety of seniors in their home, some of which may have already been utilized however there are additions help to enhance the safety of our loved ones. Please call Polish Care Services for in home care assistance for seniors.