No matter how old your parents get, it is likely that you will want to do your best by them. However, as you get older, it is likely that you will take on more responsibilities yourself as you carve out your own life. Just when your parents begin to need more help and start to develop health issues, you may be looking after newborns and toddlers and have a busy working week. If you are struggling to juggle every element of your life within the sandwich generation, here is what you can do.
Look Into Care Homes
Many people feel guilty and believe that they are abandoning their elderly relations if they send them to a care home. However, care homes are often the best place for ailing seniors, allowing them to receive a high standard of specialist care around the clock. This is especially the case when you can no longer look out for them full-time or live within the family home. Rather than leaving your parents to struggle on their own and only popping in to see them when you have the time, you should instead look into local care homes in advance, such as Fairview Court Care Home. This will give you the chance to find one that you believe your parents will be happy in and that suits their lifestyle and personalities. This is especially important if they have been diagnosed with conditions such as dementia that will worsen over time.
Create a Schedule
You might believe that you have to do it all by yourself. However, this is often impossible. To ensure that you do not get overburdened and stretch yourself too thin, leaving everyone without the care and attention they need, you should try to create a caring schedule. This can include delegating responsibilities to other family members, such as siblings, and only allotting people what they are able to take on. This might also involve finding after-school clubs and babysitting services for your children. By sharing duties, you may be able to feel the burden lift off your shoulders.
Have Priorities
Everyone is important within your family. However, sometimes, you need to have priorities, and consider the people that need the most help and support each day. For instance, your child might have a big assignment coming up or want you to watch a school play, whereas, other days, your parents might have a hospital appointment or need transport to a community center. By working out who needs what, you will be able to ensure that they- and you- do not miss out on essentials.
Look After Yourself
You will not be able to give anyone the care that they require if you are burned out yourself, though. It is paramount to take care of yourself first, whether that means going for a jog, eating a healthy meal, or even just enjoying a hobby that can help your brain to recharge. Whatever you do, you must take time to yourself to destress, including performing breathing exercises and even trying out meditation. You might also look around for local support groups that can help you through this grueling period of your life.