Subscribe to RSSChanges in Caregivers Responsibilities
Two weeks ago I wrote about how my family divides caregiving responsibilities for my sister. Wouldn’t you know that Google had barely been pinged before those responsibilities had a slight change. My husband, Fred, who has been unemployed for the past 18 months, got a job last week. So we had to make a few adjustments because of his work schedule.
Now, I am getting a taste of what many caregivers go through on a daily basis. My mornings presently consist of getting up at 6:00 AM to get Gladys showered, help her get dressed, prepare her breakfast, give her morning medications and take her to day care. I try to leave the house by 8:30 AM to arrive at the day care by 9:00 AM. Fortunately, I don’t have to be at work until 9:30 AM. Fred still takes her to daycare on his day off.
Avoiding Caregiver Burnout
One of the things I’m thinking about doing is asking my daughter, Anita, to relieve me once a month on Fridays. Both of us are off on Fridays and I would like to take a “Valerie” day. Sometimes that day would be to go to the spa, sometimes to just do some things and not be interrupted and sometimes to do nothing at all. The reason I want to do this is because I am acutely aware of caregiver burnout. I’ve had many caregivers and counselors tell me to take time for myself and I’ve read a lot about it. So, if I can get Anita to give me a “Valerie” day once a month, I think that will help me avoid caregiver burnout.
One Person has left comments on this post
Oct 6, 2008 - 07:10:14Avoiding burnout is so important. Obligations can go on for years and years, and you have got to pace yourself. I’m glad you can ask for time off and get it. I’m also glad you’re not being heroic and trying to do everything on your own.
We are still working on renewing ourself after a nine year stint with my mother in law. It took a lot more out of us than we realized.
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