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Why is a Daily Routine Important When You're a Family Caregiver?

June 21, 2019
Lenora Alabi
Keeping up with daily tasks is tough. When you're a family caregiver, unexpected situations can throw off your schedule. If you don't really have a fixed daily routine planned, these unexpected situations can lead to a lot of stress.

One of the ways to limit the stress you experience as a family caregiver is by having a daily routine that's written out. If something happens to you, there's already a list in place for whoever fills in. You'll use that list to keep on track. It helps keep you organized and in control of the day. You just need to learn to prioritize that list.

How Do You Prioritize Daily Tasks?

There will be days when you can't get to everything on your list. Don't let that stress you. Learn to prioritize the tasks on the list and know what can be skipped for a day.

For example, your parents' meals, medications, and medical appointments are a priority. Laundry doesn't have to be done on a Friday. If it gets pushed to the weekend, it's not a big deal. If you miss putting away dishes after they're washed for a day or two, it's not going to cause physical or emotional harm.

Tasks that can be delayed for a day or two include many housekeeping chores like laundry, vacuuming, or dusting. Scheduling appointments usually doesn't require you to do it on a specific day. Grocery shopping is something you can usually delay for a day or two.

Showers can be one of those tasks that family caregivers struggle with. It's not always that there's not enough time. It can be as simple as your dad needs to shower, but he's fighting you again. If he absolutely refuses, try again later. If he has already skipped a shower for days, you can try using an incentive such as you'll take him for ice cream if he takes a shower and gets ready.

Hire Home Care Aides and Lighten Your Load

When day-to-day care is causing stress, it's important to step back and look at all you have on your plate. If you're a parent who is also caring for your parents, you need to know when it's time to ask for help. If you're balancing a full-time job with the responsibilities that come with being a family caregiver, it's just as important to reach out for help.

Call a home care agency. Ask about bringing in caregivers to help out a few days a week. Using home care pricing and services, you can lighten your load and avoid stress and caregiver burnout.

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING HOME HEALTH CARE IN NEW EAST SIDE, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.