The better that you manage your time as a caregiver, the less frustrated and overwhelmed you’re likely to feel. If time management is still getting away from you, these tips might help a bit.
Schedule Time for You Every Day
The very first thing that you need to do is to schedule in a “me time” for yourself. The reason you do this first is so that you’re sure it’s in your schedule and so you actually put it in there. This doesn’t have to be huge. It can be ten minutes or so, as long as you’re doing something that you enjoy and that helps you to feel energized.
Map out the Day
Next, you need to map out the rest of your day. If you have a calendar or a planner, use that. Otherwise, take out a sheet of paper or a notebook and start writing things down. Make sure that you’ve got appointments and any other urgent, time-sensitive issues addressed. It can help if you do not only that day’s appointments, but also the appointments for a few days ahead. This can help you to avoid feeling as if things are sneaking up on you.
Prioritize the Tasks that Need Doing
From there, it’s time to look at the tasks that have to be done that day at some point. For instance, you might need to do a load of laundry for your senior, but that can be done at any point during the day. Some tasks are going to be more important or urgent than others, so prioritize what needs to be done. Tackle the urgent and important tasks first and then work around the other ones on the list.
Keep Your Planner or Your List Handy
Whether you’re using a planner or just a piece of paper on which you’ve made a list, keep it handy. This type of planning works best when you can see the plan and you can handle it piece by piece. If you’re trying to keep all of this information in your head, you’re going to be frustrated, you’ll miss things, and you’ll feel overwhelmed. It’s a lot better to write it all out.
Managing your time as a caregiver doesn’t have to feel impossible. Once you find a system that works for you, stick with it. You’ll find that you might occasionally need to make some tweaks here and there, but the overall system should keep serving you well.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Homecare in Chino Hills, CA, contact the caring staff at No Place Like Home Homecare today at 951-382-5266.
About Kristi Duran
Kristi Duran is the owner of No Place Like Home Homecare. Kristi started NPLH because of her absolute love for seniors. She was raised by her grandparents from the day she was born. Kristi has a special connection to seniors and understands their wishes and needs to stay independent.
Kristi has worked in the medical field for years and has seen first-hand how aging seniors want nothing more than to age in the comfort of their own home with dignity and grace. At NPLH, she and her caregivers insure that this happens.
NPLH is not a large franchise. It is a personal family owned homecare service. This insures a one on one personalized touch. Kristi is available 24 hours a day to her clients and their families.