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An estimated 34 million adults in the U.S. are family caregivers helping an adult 50 or older. Those 34 million don't get any pay for that care. The average caregiver spends an average of 19 days helping out and 13 hours arranging medical care, paying bills, and researching matters related to care.
Some caregivers have other family members they can fall back on for help. What if you're an only child? It can be harder to take breaks, but it doesn't have to be impossible.
Create a List of the Care Your Parents Need
Before you do anything else, create a calendar of the care your parents need. Create a daily schedule, weekly schedule, and monthly schedule. Set it up on a computer and print out copies.
Daily tasks often include things like medication reminders, walking the dog, assistance getting dressed, and meal preparation. Weekly tasks focus on things like laundry, changing sheets, grocery shopping, and vacuuming carpets. Monthly tasks typically include prescription refills, paying bills, and scheduling medical appointments.
Talk to Everyone You Know
It's hard but talk to everyone close to your parents or yourself. Your mom's best friend may have three hours a week where she'd be happy to spend time with your mom. Your dad's brother may have a day free to take him out for lunch. It never hurts to ask. The worst that happens is you're told no.
You can also call the local Agency on Aging to see if there are volunteer organizations near you. Some churches have volunteers who will send someone to help out from time to time. You might also find a high schooler who needs to complete a certain number of community service hours before he or she can graduate.
Bring a printout of the care your parents need each day, week, and month. When others see what you're doing, you might find someone willing to take one task off your list. Your mom's friend may offer to drive her to an appointment. Your dad's brother may offer to pick up groceries if you order them online.
Arrange Part-Time Senior Care Services
Arrange to have caregivers come in on a part-time basis and help fill gaps that others can't help with. Make sure you're arranging enough care to leave you with at least an hour free each day. Use this hour to take a walk, de-stress, or take care of your own household obligations.
Respite care services are easily arranged by calling a senior care agency. Call now to find out more.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Senior Care in West Columbia, SC, please talk to our caring staff. Call today (803) 223-6173.
Sources:
https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-statistics-demographics