Your monetary needs require you to work full-time. Your dad is aging at home and needs help. He needs assistance with activities of daily living. He is most comfortable with you providing that care. What do you do?
The Difficulties Full-Time Workers Have Providing Care to a Senior Parent
Most full-time workers spend at least 40 hours a week at work. There’s also time spent commuting to and from work. In the U.S., the average commute time is just under 30 minutes. That’s an hour spent getting to and from work each day. That eight-hour day turns into nine hours away from home.
According to the report by the Family Caregiver Alliance, family caregivers spend about 13 hours each month taking care of financial and medical matters. About 13 days are spent on shopping, transportation, housework, laundry, and medication reminders. Six days are spent helping with personal care.
This breaks down to about 24.5 hours a week in care. The Family Caregiver Alliance report found that about 25 percent of family caregivers provide 41 hours a week providing senior care services. If you have a full-time job, the hours spent on family care are draining and can impact how much time you have for social activities and sleep.
Balancing Work and Family Care
When you can’t cut your hours, you have to balance your dad’s senior care needs with your job and personal life. You cannot ignore your personal life. Socialization is important for your physical and mental health.
Pick the care services that fit into your schedule. Hire caregivers to cover the rest. Caregivers can cook meals for your dad, drive him to stores and businesses, and keep his house clean. They can change sheets and towels, make beds, and do the laundry.
Another service caregivers offer is respite care. If you need to go on a business trip or weekend vacation, caregivers can take over the tasks you won’t be able to help with. When you return, you step back into the role you usually fill. Respite care gives you the chance to take a break.
You might feel guilty for bringing in someone else to help provide the care. Don’t let the guilt eat at you. If you need to partner with senior care services to keep your dad safe and happy, don’t hesitate. Call a senior care agency to discuss the best home care services for your dad.
Sources:
https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-statistics-demographics
If you or an aging loved one are consideringsenior care in Minneapolis, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
