Lots of caregivers believe in the beginning that caregiving won't change their life too much. It's just a little something that they're doing to help a loved one. But as your senior's needs change, caregiving can start to affect every single area of your life.
Caregiver McCandless PA - Is Your Caregiving Impacting the Rest of your Life?
Balancing Work and Caregiving Is Tough
Most caregivers aren't independently wealthy. You probably also have a career that you enjoy and want to continue. The problem is that there are only so many hours in the day and the hours that you're working may be in direct competition with the hours you need to be a caregiver. Your employer may be able to help you find a better balance, even if that means telecommuting for a while.
Social Relationships Take a Hit
It's tough to keep up with all of the other relationships in your life when your own life is so demanding. You might also feel guilty about taking time away from your elderly family member to spend with friends. Remember, though, that you have your own life as well. You deserve to be able to keep up with your friendships. In fact, you need those relationships to help you get through your caregiving journey.
Your Emotions Can Run the Gamut
There are a lot of emotions at play when it comes to caregiving. Your senior may be struggling and that is difficult to watch. You might also have a difficult relationship with your aging adult, which can bring a host of other emotions to the forefront. Take the time that you need to work through what you're feeling, whether that means journaling every day or talking to a counselor that you trust.
You Can't Run Full Speed All the Time
Everyone needs a break, even from a good situation. You can't keep running and running and expect to be okay indefinitely. You need to schedule in time that you can take away from being a caregiver. Again, home care providers can be incredibly helpful toward this goal because you know that your senior is in expert hands until you return.
Take the time to assess how caregiving is impacting the rest of your life. If you're experiencing difficulty keeping up with everything, look for ways to get help with some of the aspects of your life. Hiring home care providers can help to alleviate the stress of caring for your senior on your own and allow you to bring the rest of your life into greater balance.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED-ONE ARE CONSIDERING CAREGIVER IN MCCANDLESS PA FOR COMPANIONSHIP AND SOCIALIZATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BARBERRY RIDGE HOME HEALTH. CALL (412) 536-1871.