Balancing Care and Life for Caregivers

At Summerset Senior Living, we provide skilled care and senior living communities for residents of Lincoln, Rancho Cordova/Gold River and other Central Valley areas. Because we always strive to provide the best care possible to the people living in our communities, we understand how much focus and energy it can take. While we are professional caregivers, we know that millions of people out there are providing care to loved ones on their own. In most cases, this care is provided in addition to obligations like work and school. Taken together, these responsibilities can consume a person’s life. Caregiving can be stressful, but it’s a labor of love, and caring for someone can be its own reward.

If you’re a caregiver who is struggling to find a balance between work, life, and caregiving, here are a few tips from the staff at Summerset Senior Living to help you get things in order:

Seek Out Help

You don’t have to tackle caregiving on your own; there are plenty of community resources that can help you. N4A.org (The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging) is a good way to find local resources that can help you provide better care more easily, so that you can find more time for yourself.

Talk to Your Employer about Your Situation

Being a caregiver can sometimes mean you need to leave work early or take a day off occasionally. Your company may have policies that allow for these eventualities, but the only way to find out is to speak with your employer. Let them know that you’re caring for a loved one and they may be more sympathetic or make allowances for you if necessary.

Keep Work Separate from Care

If you try to deal with your caregiving responsibilities during work hours (or vice versa) it’s likely you won’t do a good job at either one. If you have to schedule a doctor’s appointment, do so before or after work, or on your lunch break. On the same token, don’t try to get your work done when you’re providing care. The person you’re caring for deserves your full attention, so keeping work and care separate is crucial.

Consider Respite Care

Many senior living communities, including Summerset Senior Living, offer respite care for caregivers who need a break. If you’re planning a vacation or you just need a few days off, we can care for your loved one while you unwind. The best thing about respite care is that you get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for by some of the best professionals in the industry and that they have access to amenities like emergency alert pendants, chef-prepared meals, transportation to activities, and more. When you take advantage of respite care at Summerset Senior Living, you can truly relax during your time off and come back refreshed and ready to provide excellent care once again.

If you are interested in finding out more about respite care or any of the other care we provide, get in touch with Summerset Senior Living today. We offer independent senior living, assisted senior living, and memory care. Call (916) 619-0494 or fill out the simple online form on our contact page to request more information or to schedule a tour. We know that caregiving isn’t always easy but respite care from Summerset Senior Living can help you find a balance.