How Can You Balance Caregiving with All of Your Other Responsibilities?

Admin • March 9, 2022

In today’s society, you have way more on your plate than just caring for your elderly loved one. But when all of those responsibilities are just as important as the other ones, finding a balance might feel impossible to you. Start out by making a plan.

Look at Your Situation Objectively

Step back for a minute and take a look at your life and your responsibilities. Is there anything that you can step away from, even temporarily? Sometimes this can give you the room to breathe for a little while so that you can find some balance. If there isn’t, you can still make a plan that helps you to accomplish everything that you need to accomplish.

Learn as Much as You Can about Community Resources

Contact as many of the senior agencies in your area as you can. If you’re not sure where to find these agencies, start with your county’s local health department and they can point you in the right direction. There may be some amazing resources right there in your own community that can help you find the balance you so desperately need.

Put a Plan in Place and Monitor How Well that Plan Works

With the new information you’ve collected, start making a plan for a more balanced life for you and your loved one. You may find that bringing in a senior care provider helps you and your loved one to feel more secure when you can’t be there. Then your attention isn’t divided when you’re away and you can focus on what you’re doing right then. Monitor how well the plan is working, so that you can fix that.

Adjust the Plan as You Need to Do So

Don’t be afraid to rearrange, change, and adjust your plan as you need to do so. Your needs and your loved one’s needs won’t remain static, so you’ll constantly be making small adjustments. Being able to change your plan as you need to is part of the strength of having a plan in the first place.

There’s no perfect solution for all family caregivers, unfortunately. You’ll have to take the time to test the balance of caregiving and your life to find the best fit for you and for your elderly loved one.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Suffolk, NY, contact Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing at 718-733-2222 or 914-362-0899. Call today!

Patricia Coffie, RN, BSN, MFA

Director of Client Services at Star One Home Care

Patricia Coffie, RN, BSN, MFA is Director of Client Services & Director of Phoenix Nurse Aide Training Center. Before assuming the post in 2012, Patricia was the Director or Nursing & Service Delivery at WRC for 3 years where she was the strategic lead for nursing and services to members.

Patricia started her nursing career 19 years ago at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and research institution in New York City, and since then has gained experience in Adult Intensive Care Units (ICU) , Pediatric Care (PICU ), Operating Room (OR) , mental health and community settings. She later moved into director of nursing roles, where she obtained extensive experience in leading and developing the nursing profession. She also pioneered good partnership working with other health care organizations, as well as social services, and the wider community.

Latest posts by Patricia Coffie, RN, BSN, MFA

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