It might sound impossible as a caregiver, but you really can have time for your own life. You might need to make some small changes to make that happen, though.

Release Some Expectations

Chances are very good that you’re sticking with some perfectionist tendencies, even if you don’t recognize them as such. Look at what you’re expecting from yourself and from caregiving. You can’t do everything and there’s probably going to be dust on the mantle now and again. Dig deep and really look at your expectations and then assess whether they’re realistic or not.

Outsource Some Tasks

Just because tasks need to be done, that doesn’t mean that you have to be the one to do them. If you have friends and family who can pitch in and help with some things, then start making it a point to ask for that help. They may be able to tackle smaller tasks only, but that can still help. For more complicated tasks or if you don’t have anyone else, consider hiring elder care providers. Even if you only need their help once or twice a week, they can help you so much.

Get Clear about What You Want

It’s really difficult to make more time for your own life if you aren’t sure what you want out of your life. Get really clear with yourself about what it is that you want and need. Do you want to go back to school? Do you need more time to focus on your health? Or is there something else that you need? Start writing down what you want and get your goals defined.

Schedule Your Priorities

It’s widely accepted knowledge in time management circles that if you don’t schedule something into your day, you’re less likely to actually get to it. So start making it a point to not only acknowledge your priorities but schedule them into your day. Adjust your routine, both daily and weekly, until you’re meeting all of your priorities regularly. You’ll be amazed at what you can get done for yourself when you view it as a priority.

Oversimplifying the massive task of caregiving doesn’t help, of course. But you can make time for what you need and want out of life even as you take care of your elderly family member. It might take rearranging some of what you want and what you believe in order to do this right.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Homecare in Sunny Vale, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.

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andy@hcprosonline.com

CEO at HomeCare Professionals

Andy Howardis a Bay Area Native who holds a BA in Political Science (University of Colorado at Boulder, ’97). After college Andy worked in the surging tech industry.His Grandmother however, would suffer a significant decline in health and ultimately needed in-home care. The experience of a loved one depending on outside help to age in place proved to be pivotal for Andy as he left the tech industry in 2002 for an opportunity in the home care world with a large provider. After having success in home care, but being frustrated by corporate constraints Andy founded HomeCare Professionals in 2005.He methodically built the company one client at a time by focusing on hiring quality caregivers to ensure positive outcomes. Currently Andy serves as the CEO of HomeCare Professionals and is also highly active in the non-profit organization California Association of Health Services at Home (CAHSAH) which advocates for a higher standard of in-home care for those who wish to remain living at home in California.

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