Are there any resources that can help family caregivers? Taking care of my elderly parent while also working has become difficult to manage.
Taking care of an aging parent over a period of time – especially when juggling work and other family obligations – can be difficult. There are many resources available, however, to lessen the burdens. Here is what you should know.
IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS
To determine and prioritize the help you need, make a detailed list of everything you do as a caregiver and the amount of time each task takes. This list can help you identify the times when assistance is needed and which tasks you can outsource.
Your list should also include the types of care needed. This may include companionship during the daytime or help with active chores such as shopping or running errands. Once you have your list in hand, read below for some tips and places you can contact for help.
CARE HELPERS
If you have siblings or other loved ones close by, ask them if they are available to help with specific tasks. You may also ask friends, neighbors or community group members if they could help too.
You should also consider local resources that may be available. Some communities may offer a range of free or subsidized services that assist seniors and caregivers with basic needs. Some of services such as home delivery of meals, transportation, senior companion services and even respite services, which offer short-term care so you can take an occasional break. You can always reach out to the Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, at 800-677-1116 for referrals to services in your area.
Additionally, there are a numerous of online services you can use to help save time on certain chores. Online grocery shopping has delivery and pickup at the store. Pharmacy refills can be done over the phone without talking to anyone. You can order meal-kits like HelloFresh or pre-made meals like Blue Apron online. These will be delivered right to the front door. You can look into and arrange needed transportation with ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
You may want to consider hiring someone a few hours a week to help with cooking, housekeeping or personal care. The costs of these services can vary by location but can range from $18 to $50 per hour. To find qualified caregivers, search for a home care agency.
FINANCIAL AIDS
If you are handling financial tasks, make things easier by arranging direct deposits and setting up automatic payments for utilities and other routine bills. You may also want to set up an online banking service so you can pay bills and monitor account activity. For additional help, consider hiring a bill paying service which usually charges a flat fee with some starting at $99 per month. Something you also consider is, BenefitsCheckup.org. It’s a financial assistance program that may help with finding utility discounts or in-home support services.
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS
There are affordable technological devices that can help you check-in on your parent when you are at work. There are wearable medical alert devices and smart speakers that allow someone to call for help if needed. Home video cameras with two-way audio allow you to see, hear and talk to your parent when you are away. Electronic pill boxes can also be set up to automate medication and send a notification if a dose is missed. You can also coordinate care with other caregivers, friends or family through apps or websites.
OTHER RESOURCES
You can search online for other organizations that provide state-by-state listings of caregiving programs and services. Some national organizations also provide information unique to certain challenges such as those of dementia caregivers. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (caregiver.va.gov) also offers caregiver support services to veterans and their spouses.