My previous post explored the challenges of being a caregiver and now we look at caregiver resources. There may be additional resources available to you if your loved one is a veteran or if you live in an area that prides itself on its care of those who are older.
Be A Resourceful Caregiver
Considering the possibility that you may join the ranks of the 36 million American workers who are caregiving for parents or older relatives, here are some important ideas to consider. Many companies have become much more sensitive to their employees being caregivers. They don’t want to lose them so they are providing caregiver resources and creating policies to give caregivers more flexibility.
1. If it is not too late, begin to have these conversations with your parents as to how they will be cared for.
2. Find out what your company’s policy is regarding flexible time for caregiving and alert them to your possible need to use that flex time.
3. Have conversations with your managers/employers about your extra responsibilities at home. Alert them to the fact that as a caregiver, you will need the flexibility to come late or leave early when you are taking your relative to doctor’s appointments or possibly to the emergency room.
4. Explore resources in your community. A local service in the northern Virginia/Washington, DC area is Graceful Care. This service provides companion care for people of all ages by taking them to doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, etc. Their website is www.gracefulcare.com or you can call 703-904-3994 or e-mail care@gracefulcare.com.
5. Steve Gurney has a weekly podcast with a lot of attention to “caregiving” with excellent speakers: https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/gurney
6. Consider job sharing or working part time to relieve the stresses of caregiving.
7. Ask your employer to approve your working from home several days a week to avoid commuting, which will give you more face time with your aging parent or relative. Covid has made this so much easier to navigate.
8. Manage your time at home and at work more effectively to make sure you find time in your personal schedule for relaxation and social engagement.
9. Don’t hesitate to ask friends, family and paid resources for help. It takes a village to be a healthy caregiver.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of caregiver resources. AARP, your public library, your doctor’s office, and friends who have travelled this path before you are also a source of information and encouragement.
By being a caregiver, you are making the best of life for the rest of someone else’s life. In the process, remember to care for yourself because I want you to make the best of your life for the rest of your life.