Elder Care: How Can Family Caregivers Ensure They Have Time for Nights Off?
Elder Care: The average amount of care provided by family caregivers is just over 22 hours per week.
You're with your mom and dad all day. You're also there most of the night. It's wearing you down, and you don't know what to do. Your parents need you, but you need a break. How do you ensure you have the time off to go out with friends or your significant other at night? Could you get elder care to help out?
It's been months since you and your friends could go out for dinner. Instead of continually putting them off, talk to your brothers, sisters, and cousins. If family friends are close with your parents, ask them if they'd be willing to help out.
What you want is for others to offer to stay with your parents for a few hours while you go out. If others are willing to help out, build a schedule in a platform you can share online. A spreadsheet or online calendar helps everyone see what needs to be done and when help is needed.
Find Activities For Your Parents While You're Off With Others
Look for programs and activities at the local recreation department or senior center. If there is an evening dance, drop your parents off and go out with your friends while your parents are busy. You could sign your parents up for a movie night while you're out with your spouse.
See if there are any additional options nearby. Sometimes, area libraries hold book groups, seminars, and social events. Museums might offer a free guided tour to senior citizens on a specific night. Your parents would get to engage with others while you're at a nearby restaurant.
Hire Elder Care Aides for Respite Care
How about arranging to have a professional caregiver stay with your parents while you're out? This service is called respite care. It's an essential service for family caregivers to access whenever a break is needed.
Elder care aides are one of the best solutions to having time off. You don't have to stop being the primary family caregiver, but you need to take care of yourself. Caregivers stop by and do everything your parents need help accomplishing, such as oral care, dinner preparation, or a nightly bath.
Talk to an elder care specialist about respite care if you need time off. Take breaks when you need them without leaving your parents alone.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering, Elder Care in Middletown, DE, please contact the caring staff at Silver Assist Care Homes today at. (302) 772-4482
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