Who Here Can Relate?

Karen is working from home, and trying to finalize a report that is due to her director the next day. She is trying to focus on her report, but gets distracted every time she hears her father shuffling around in the next room. Over the past few months, Karen’s father has needed more attention as his health has been steadily declining. She is torn between getting her work done while simultaneously trying to care for her aging father at home.

Family caregivers are some of the hardest-working individuals out there. Not only do they have to manage the care of an elderly loved one (which is a daunting task on its own), they have to juggle their own lives, their families, and even their careers. Juggling job responsibilities from home while caring for an elderly loved one can be challenging. So how do you ensure that you are fulfilling both roles? Here are tips to help you manage:

Modify Your Home Environment

Assessing your home environment and knowing your loved one’s needs can help you reduce interruptions. Your goal is to create an environment where your loved one can thrive at home and be somewhat independent, thus limiting distractions that can pull you away from completing work tasks. Here are some ways to promote independence and keep your loved ones safe in the home:

• Home monitoring systems: Fall detection equipment, cameras, bed/chair alarms, wearable devices help monitor safety and can summon help if needed.

• Smart devices: Phone apps can remotely control lights, fans, and other devices when they are plugged into a smart plug or switch.

• Walking aids: Canes, walkers, and rollators—a walker with wheels and a built-in seat for resting—provide confidence and stability when walking around.

• Adaptive clothing: Instead of zippers and difficult buttons, adaptive clothing has easy closures such as Velcro and magnetic buttons.

• Jar grippers: Rubber jar grippers and electric jar openers help those with limited dexterity or strength.

• Reachers and grabbers: These tools can help pick up objects without bending or stretching, thus reducing your loved one’s fall risk.

• Medication systems: A medication reminder and dispenser with an alarm and/or blinking light can remind when medication should be taken.

Keep a Regular Routine

Establishing a routine with specific times for work tasks versus caregiving activities can help you find a healthy balance between being a productive employee and an attentive caregiver while working from home. A schedule that is the same day after day promotes independence and encourages our seniors to do things on their own, all of which limit the number of interruptions to your workday.

Communicate With Your Employer and Co-Workers

When you work from home, there are times when you won’t be available to your team members because of your caregiving duties. Communicating your schedule and obligations will prevent misunderstandings within your workplace. Your team members will likely be more understanding if they are aware of your dual responsibilities at home, rather than them thinking you aren’t pulling your weight. Let them know when you will complete a task or get back to them with an answer; that way, there is no confusion.

Take Time for Yourself

Being a caregiver can be both rewarding yet challenging. To prevent caregiver burnout, fulfill your caregiver responsibilities, and maintain your work productivity, it is essential to prioritize time for yourself. Here are some helpful tips for self-care:

• Exercise regularly: Get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. It will give you more energy, keep your body strong, and improve your mood.

• Visit your doctor: Don’t put off doctor appointments because you “don’t have time.” Without your good health, you won’t be able to provide the care required.

• Eat a healthy diet: Eat a well-balanced diet of lean meats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. This is good for both you and older adults.

• Keep doing what you love: Continue to do the things you enjoy. Take time each week for your hobbies and interests. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the stresses of caregiving, but doing the activities you enjoy will help you maintain your sense of self.

• Accept help: It is difficult to ask for help, but it is essential to get relief from your caregiving duties, whether from a family member or an agency caregiver such as Silver Lantern Homecare. Just a few hours of temporary respite can make a big difference in the quality of care you can provide.

Balancing work from home while being a primary family caregiver for an aging adult can be challenging. However, with proper planning and effective coping strategies, it is possible to balance both work and caregiving responsibilities.

How Silver Lantern Homecare Can Help

At Silver Lantern Homecare, our loving caregivers provide relief and support to family caregivers by taking over caregiving responsibilities as needed. Respite care helps family caregivers rest, recharge, and attend to their own needs. We also provide training on caregiving skills so that family caregivers can manage challenges effectively.

If you’d like to know more about our in-home caregiver services, give us a call at (281) 205-1010.

www.SilverLanternHomecare.com