Ten Ways to Make Your Role as a Family Caregiver Easier

Family caregivers often feel stuck in their roles. They didn't necessarily sign up to help their parents, but they feel obligated. What can you do to make your role easier when you're a family caregiver?

Become Organized

Organize your daily, weekly, and monthly routines. If your parents have medications, they take each day, that goes onto a daily to-do list. Create lists that cover the basic chores like grocery shopping, laundry, appointment scheduling, etc.

Get Outside

Head outside for fresh air and sun each day. If your parents can join you for a walk, bring them with you. If not, make sure someone is there for half an hour each day while you go for a walk.

Use Technology As Much As Possible

Some technology can help you shrink your to-do list. Invest in a robotic vacuum and have it do the floors each week. Use smart speakers to remind you of the time rather than continually checking a watch to make sure you don't overlook an appointment or medication dose.

Enlist the Help of Home Care

In addition to other family members and friends that could help out, relying on the assistance of home care providers can be the best decision to make as a family caregiver. Home care providers can become part of a regular routine for your senior, making sure they are safe in their homes on a daily basis. Family caregivers can take respite time from caregiving while maintaining peace of mind with the help of home care.

Embrace a Hobby Together

Reduce stress by embracing a hobby with your parents. Jigsaws, board games, and knitting are just a few of the many popular hobbies. Find things you all enjoy and do them together.

Plan An Hour of Fun Every Day

Do something enjoyable for an hour each day. Instead of focusing on chores and nothing else, leave an hour to watch TV with your parents, read a novel, or bake something you love.

Be Honest

Be honest with your parents. If you're overwhelmed, tell them. Let them know what you're going to do in order to reduce the stress you feel.

Garden

Grow your own foods in a garden. If it's too cold, devices like the Aerogarden allow you to grow a few crops inside the home using water and UV lighting.

Eat Well

Keep up your energy by making sure you eat right. Avoid processed foods and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Stick to lean proteins and whole grains.

Take Breaks

You'll return refreshed and ready to help out when if you have time off. Make sure you take frequent breaks by calling a home care agency and arranging caregiver visits.