Family
The health and welfare of our family is
important to each of us. Our articles will
address a full spectrum from pre-natal to
the elderly that need care. We will look at
balanced diets, family health concerns,
maintaining your family's health, exercise
as well as practices that are not in our
best interest. |
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Taking Care of an Aging Parent
How to Cope
 Are you a member of
the "sandwich” generation?
You are if you are caring for young children as well as one or more aging
parents.
Today, 44 percent of Americans between the ages of 45 and 55 have both living
parents and children under 21 years old. In fact, 22 million Americans are
caring for parents or older relatives, according to the AARP. And, nearly
two-thirds of primary caregivers are women, a Kaiser Family Foundation study
shows. Most of these caregivers are also either working full or part-time.
Taking care of children, performing on the job and keeping up with the
household chores are just some of life’s daily stresses.
When you also take care of an aging parent or relative, you can feel
stretched beyond your limits. Use the tips provided below to help you cope.
Most of these caregivers are also either working full or part-time.
Taking care of children, performing on the job and keeping up with the
household chores are just some of life’s daily stresses.
When you also take care of an aging parent or relative, you can feel
stretched beyond your limits. Use the tips provided below to help you cope.
- Be organized. Make a list of things that need to be done, and set
realistic priorities and goals. Have a backup plan in place.
- Stay healthy. Get enough sleep, eat a healthful diet and exercise
regularly. Most people tend to overlook their own heath when taking care of
others.
- Make a little time to do things you enjoy. Relax with family and friends.
Having fun, laughing and focusing on things other than your own problems
helps you keep your emotional balance and makes you a much better caregiver.
- Ask for help when you need it. There will be times when you can’t do
everything that needs to be done, so call on friends and family members for
help with different tasks.
- Use community resources, such as adult day services, meal or shopping
services, and caregiver support groups to help lighten your load.
Also look to see what programs are offered through your place of worship.
- Feel stressed, angry or depressed?
- Step away from the situation for a while. Leave the room for a minute or
take a walk around the block.
- Do not drink excessively or use drugs to cope with the stress. If the
feelings continue, talk to a trusted friend, relative, clergy or health
professional. Ask your employer if there is an employee assistance program
you can use.
- Talk to your supervisor at work about your care giving responsibilities, so
he or she knows what difficulties you may experience. Offer to make up any
work time you take off for care giving.
- Find out your company’s policy on caregivers. It may offer benefits or
services that can help. Take advantage of flextime policies at work.
Consider working part time or job sharing.
- Ask your human resources department for information on the Family and
Medical Leave Act. This allows up to 12 weeks a year unpaid leave for family
caregivers who meet certain requirements.
- Always thank your coworkers, friends and family for their help and
consideration.
For more information, contact your local Mental Health Association or the
National Mental Health Association at 800-969-NMHA (6642), or visit www.nmha.org. |
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