Few experiences in life are as rewarding as they are overwhelming at times. Two of these include raising children into responsible adults and taking care of elderly parents. Juggling the two can make you feel like you’re trapped in a caregiving crunch.
The truth is that there is an entire generation struggling to care for school-going children and ageing parents at the same time. The ‘sandwich generation’ also has a hectic work schedule to accommodate, often leaving them with no time for themselves.
USA Today shares that an average adult caregiver provides around 22 hours of weekly care to ageing parents, along with 28 hours devoted to children. That’s a little more than your typical nine-to-five job.
If you can relate, it’s time to switch gears for a balanced life. In this article, we will discuss four practical tips to help you juggle parenting and caregiving duties.
Outsource Your Needs Whenever Required
The first step that many people juggling multi-generational care needs must take is to outsource help whenever required. This will largely depend on individual requirements based on how old the children are, how fit one’s elderly parents are, and so on.
For instance, if one’s senior parents are suffering from conditions like Alzheimer’s or osteoporosis, they may require specialized care from time to time. Though doctors participate in the treatment process, the care usually falls under the purview of skilled registered nurses.
Family nurse practitioners may be appointed to look after the patient, administer medicines, perform wellness checks, etc. More aspirants are choosing this field to make a positive change. Many pursue family nurse practitioner online programs to circle their study around work or family time.
According to Cleveland State University, family nurse practitioners can deliver care in community-based or private settings. This means they can come to your home (even for 24 hours) to extend customized care for your elderly parents.
What’s more, these healthcare professionals can meet the needs of patients of all ages. In other words, they should be able to extend pediatric care to your children if needed. Don’t carry all the weight on your shoulders; seek help whenever needed.
Schedule Some ‘Me Time’
Does this sound like it’s easier said than done? That is indeed the truth, but you must fight your way through the chaos. Caring for two generations under the same roof can easily take its toll if you do not schedule some ‘me time.’
This does not mean you must let yourself be fooled by social media. Influencers may set up a fancy bubble bath with snacks on the side, but that alone is not what ‘me time’ is all about. Your body can feel rested and rejuvenated by simply taking an hour-long stroll in the woods.
According to Time, the human body gives multiple cues when it’s time to take a break. Four of the most common ones include –
- Strained relationships due to irritability or mood swings
- Increased levels of anxiety and emotional volatility
- Frequent health issues like the flu due to a weakened immune system
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
The moment you notice any of these signs, consider it your call for some alone time. Set aside a day in your calendar with no school commitments, doctor appointments, or other plans. You can drop your kids off to their grandparents or ask a trusted friend to keep them busy. Have a caregiver or, better yet, a home speciality nurse look after your ageing parents for a full day.
As mentioned earlier, family nurse practitioners can extend their care services to private settings like home. They can provide customizable day-to-day support with grooming, feeding, bathing, etc.
Talk to Your Employer
One area that most people struggle with is striking a proper work-life balance. Now, this is true even when one does not have to take care of two generations. The American Psychological Association (APA) found that 33% of the surveyed workers did not have enough flexibility for a good work-life balance.
This can seem even more elusive when you must take care of aging parents and growing children. If you’re struggling professionally, have an honest conversation with your employer.
Most workplaces are willing to make allowances for working parents. The same holds true if your parents need extra assistance due to failing health.
Know your rights and communicate your concerns to the HR department. Try to strike a negotiation in terms of a flexible daily working schedule or a hybrid model where you also get to work from home. At the least, you will be shown compassion and grace if you arrive late at work or appear to be stressed and overwhelmed.
Join a Support Group
The last thing you should do while caring for your elderly parents and raising your children is become isolated. We understand that shutting yourself out from the world can seem tempting, especially when you’re having a hard time.
That’s precisely the moment to do the exact opposite. Fight against the urge to self-isolate and reach out to someone. It can be a family member or friend, preferably someone who has been in your shoes before or is currently walking the same path.
Share your feelings and fears in their rawest form. This simple act can lighten your load and empower you to manage your emotions. You can even join a support group in person or online. That community will become your safe place to let down your guard and exchange experiences. You will be able to learn vital coping skills to avoid impulsive reactions or decisions at your weakest moments.
We hope this article has provided you with some useful tips to juggle multi-generational care needs. Just remember that you are not alone. Ask for help whenever you need it and, most importantly, take good care of yourself.
Disclosure: collaborative post
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