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How does a caregiver create balance when juggling all the demands of life and work? This article explores how to find the balance you crave.

In the 1960s, the popular TV host Ed Sullivan showcased a talented Chinese artist who mesmerized the audience with a remarkable display of skill. This artist demonstrated an impressive act involving spinning porcelain plates on thin wooden sticks, showcasing a delicate balance and perfect timing. The performance began by spinning each plate, one after another, and then swiftly moving from plate to plate to keep them all in motion, preventing any from crashing to the ground. Spectators watched in awe as the plates slowed down and appeared to wobble precariously, yet miraculously, the artist managed to reach each one just before it could fall. The act reached its thrilling conclusion as the artist swiftly gathered all the teetering plates into a neat pile, avoiding any disaster. It was a truly astonishing display of skill and grace.

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CREATING BALANCE AS A CAREGIVER

Caregiving in the modern world can be likened to a captivating yet realistic experience, requiring a delicate balancing act of various roles and responsibilities. Imagine each plate representing a different aspect of our lives, and we tirelessly strive to maintain motion and equilibrium. These plates symbolize our personal needs, relationships, family, career, friendships, health, finances, and social activities – the essential elements of our everyday existence that we endeavor to keep spinning harmoniously. However, when one takes on the role of a caregiver, several more plates are added to the mix, including personal and medical care, transportation, safety supervision, emotional support, companionship, financial management, and decision-making for the well-being of a loved one. The challenge intensifies further when unexpected events like a sudden illness, job loss, or divorce add extra weight, making it incredibly difficult to keep all the plates spinning in unison without risking a calamity.

Finding balance in life as a caregiver can be challenging but is essential for your well-being and the well-being of those you care for.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU CREATE BALANCE:

Self Care Is Crucial: Remember that you cannot pour from an empty cup. Prioritize self-care and make time for yourself regularly. This might include enjoying activities, getting enough rest, and maintaining physical and emotional health.

Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance from family members, friends, or support groups. Delegating tasks can lighten your load and give you some time to recharge.

Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that you can’t do everything perfectly all the time. Set realistic expectations for yourself and accept that there may be limitations to what you can achieve.

Create a Support System: Build a network of people who understand your role as a caregiver and can provide emotional support when needed. Joining caregiver support groups can be incredibly beneficial.

Manage Your Time Wisely: Plan your day efficiently, allocating time for caregiving, self-care, work (if applicable), and other responsibilities. Time management can reduce stress and provide a sense of control.

Learn to Say No: It’s okay to decline additional commitments that may overwhelm you. Focus on your caregiving role and avoid taking on too many extra responsibilities.

Stay Organized: Keep track of appointments, medications, and important information related to the care recipient. Being organized can reduce stress and help you manage your time more effectively.

Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help you stay present and manage stress.

Stay Informed: Educate yourself about your loved one’s condition and available resources. Knowledge can empower you and make caregiving more manageable.

Consider Respite Care: Look into respite care services that can provide temporary relief by having someone else care for your loved one while you take a break.

Maintain Hobbies and Interests: Don’t forget about your passions and hobbies. Engaging in activities you love can be rejuvenating and can bring balance to your life.

Seek Professional Help if Needed: Consider seeking professional counseling or therapy if you struggle to cope with caregiving responsibilities. Talking to a mental health professional can provide valuable support.

Remember, finding balance is an ongoing process, and making adjustments along the way is okay. Taking care of yourself is not selfish but necessary for being your best caregiver.

Talk to HR About your Situation

If you are experiencing specific problems like needing time off due to caregiving responsibilities, suggest solutions like job-sharing, taking leave or telecommuting. You may be able to remain a valuable employee and an effective caregiver with a few adjustments. Be sure to have a backup plan for work if you need to deal with a caregiving crisis.

Change your Work Schedule

Ask about flexible hours—perhaps starting your workday later so you can help your loved ones in the morning. You might try working a compressed schedule: work four longer days and have the fifth day off (or nine longer days and the tenth day off). If your schedule constantly changes, you could request a set, predictable schedule to plan around it. Some caregivers reduce work time by sharing a job with another employee or changing to part-time work. If your company offers phased-in retirement, you could gradually reduce hours.

Change your Work Location

If your company has multiple locations, you might consider transferring to a location closer to your loved ones’ or your home or telecommuting, so you’ll reduce commute time. When my Dad had a bad fall and broke his shoulder, I telecommuted for a month from my parent’s home, which made it possible for me to help him recuperate.

Understand Leave Policies

Become familiar with your company’s paid and unpaid leave options. Can you use vacation, personal days or sick time for caregiving? Some companies offer donated leave options so co-workers can give you their unused leave. The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitles eligible employees of all public agencies, all public and private elementary and secondary schools, and companies with 50 or more employees who work within a 75-mile radius to up to 12 weeks a year of unpaid leave as well as job protection (you must have been an employee for at least one year and have worked a minimum of 1250 hours in the past year to qualify), and military caregivers who qualify are entitled to up to 26 weeks off in a year. Some states also have family and medical leave policies, and some smaller employers may also offer options.

Ask About Company Benefits that Might Help Caregivers

Some employers offer Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits or counseling, information and referral, eldercare assessments, legal assistance, financial counseling or help with insurance issues. A few companies even help pay for backup eldercare if your caregiving plans fall through and you need to work. Your company may also offer things that help you, such as on-site support groups, concierge services (to help run errands, etc.), health and wellness programs, or discounts that help you take care of yourself.

Schedule Time for Yourself

You probably feel pressured to meet everyone else’s needs: your loved ones, your family and other relationships, pets, volunteer work, and more, while achieving at work and building your career—not an easy task. So when do you squeeze in time to take care of yourself? While actively caregiving, I found scheduling activities important to my well-being helpful.

Some people change jobs to meet their caregiving responsibilities. I was lucky that when I needed to become a full-time caregiver, I was self-employed and had the flexibility to meet my mother’s and my work’s needs. You may consider a less stressful job or one that is less tiring or depleting for you so you still have energy for caregiving. Before making a job change, consult with your financial advisor and plan wisely for your future.

CONCLUSION

While we may not possess the remarkable talent of the Chinese balance artist, we have our own inner reservoirs of strength and the support of others to find stability in our lives. Providing care to someone in need can be one of the most significant and fulfilling roles we ever undertake, but it doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor. The first crucial step is recognizing when we are juggling too many plates or when they are slipping out of our control. The second step is reaching out and asking for assistance. Contrary to any misconception, seeking help is a display of strength, not weakness, and it is the most reliable way to maintain a careful balance across all facets of our lives. By utilizing our inner resources and leaning on the support of others, we can navigate the challenges of caregiving and find the steadiness we seek.

CREATING BALANCE AS A CAREGIVER

CREATING BALANCE AS A CAREGIVER

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU CREATE BALANCE:

TIPS FOR CREATING BALANCE IF YOU’RE A WORKING CAREGIVER

CONCLUSION

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