Millions of elderly people depend on caregiving services to have a good quality of life. Caregivers are endowed with the responsibility of providing necessary assistance to another person for health and social needs. Along with helping with regular activities like dressing, bathing, eating, cleaning, etc., caregivers also manage timely bill payments, shopping, transportation, etc. Caregivers also provide emotional support to patients suffering from chronic conditions and disabilities.
In the USA, almost of adults aged 45-64 are caregivers. As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a growth in personal care and home health aides from 2022-2032. However, many caregivers have a full-time job – the one that comes with a paycheck. Work and caregiving are both rewarding pursuits, but balancing them is a demanding combination. Sometimes, it might seem to be too much on the plate to handle. This blog covers some essential tips for balancing work and caregiving.
As mentioned previously, handling a job and caregiving simultaneously is a challenging job. Some of the common challenges which people face include:
Caregivers in Newport Beach or any other place need to implement time management strategies to balance work and caregiving effectively. Nowadays, people use various time management apps and tools online on their smartphones to manage things better. Here are some effective time management strategies that caregivers can implement.
You can also choose a compressed schedule, where you work four long shifts and get the next day off for caregiving services. Discuss with your employer and set a work schedule.
Talk to your company and find out if there are flexible work options in the policy. Though most companies have this policy now, you might also ask for special permission for flexible working hours. When it comes to flexible work options, there are many things you can consider. You can take up a part-time job, have flexible hours at work, and, if needed, telecommute. A flexible schedule also means that you can work remotely for a few days in a week or when needed.
You must talk to your boss regarding the flexible work options and policies well. Schedule a proper meeting and explain the situation to your boss. However, let your boss have the confidence that work is your top priority, even when you are talking about flexible options. If you remain productive at work, your boss will certainly be supportive.
One of the most effective tips for balancing work and caregiving is to utilize local caregiving services. Check out the various online as well as local resources that are made available for caregivers. This will include respite care near me, support groups, and counseling services.
The services offered by the local resources will include family caregiving, case management, respite care, in-home assistance, meal delivery, and many more. Think of creating a local caregiver community, so you always have someone to fall back to for caregiving services.
Work and caregiving must take a toll on your physical and mental health. Slow down a bit and ensure you take care of yourself first. It is only then that you will be able to provide a better version of yourself to others.
Some self-care strategies you can choose include reading, spending quality time with your family or loved ones, indulging in a hobby, exercising and working out, and so on. Prevent burnout with effective stress management strategies. If you are confused about self-care, you can always seek professional assistance.
Balancing caregiving and work will become easy when you know your priorities and learn various time management strategies. Thousands of caregivers are engaged in a full-time job and managing both effectively. Follow the tips mentioned above, and you can manage things in a better way.
Newport Home Care in Newport Beach, CA, can be your one-stop destination for trusted, reliable, and affordable home care services near me. The agency provides experienced and compassionate caregivers in Newport Beach, CA. Contact us today.
