Work-Life Balance and Doctor's Appointments

There has been a lot of discussion about work-life balance for mothers, but does work-life balance exist for all caregivers?

One responsibility that caregivers regularly assume is bringing loved ones young and old to medical appointments. For caregivers caring for an aging or ailing loved one, these medical appointments can happen extremely frequently. This can cut into work hours, and the commute can sometimes be the least distracting part of the trip. Caregivers have to figure out how to transport their aging or ailing loved one, how to get them ready for the medical appointment, how to assemble all of their medical information,  think of questions to ask the medical staff, determine how to navigate any inaccessible buildings, and more. Caregivers have to juggle all of these concerns in addition to working full-time. What can be done to help? 

•  Keeping an open line of communication between the caregiver employee and their manager

• Flexible hours

• The option to work from home

• An eldercare support program 

• Supporting them with access to resources and support

Here at Long Term Solutions, we understand that even with these options, caregivers are still stressed. We help working caregivers achieve this balance. Through our signature program, WeCare+, we will work with families to assess their situation, develop a plan of care and guide them to resources that will support their needs.

Do you know anyone struggling with work-life balance as a caregiver? What kind of support and advice can you offer to them?

Caregiver Stress Relief Idea: Gardening

Spring is right around the corner! Being in Massachusetts, we are looking forward to warm weather and we are even more excited about the increased opportunities for more caregiver stress relief activities. There are a lot of activities from taking a walk to going to the beach that allow caregivers to take some time for themselves and soak up the sun.

Gardening is one of these great summer activities, and it can be extremely beneficial for caregivers. A large part of gardening is related to having patience, which is also a crucial aspect of caregiving. Gardeners trust that all of their work will help their garden grow and blossom, even though they can’t immediately see the results. This delayed gratification is something that caregivers experience on a daily basis. Caregivers dedicate time, energy and money to their ailing loved ones, and frequently don’t immediately see the positive impact they are having. Gardening can help caregivers know that while they can’t see it, they are constantly positively impacting and bettering the lives of their loved ones.

Aside from teaching patience, gardening has been proven to reduce stress by decreasing cortisol. Furthermore, a 2007 study in Neuroscience found a bacteria in soil associated with increased serotonin production in the brain. Gardening decreases stress, increases happiness, and gives you an excuse to spend some time alone outside.

So, get outside and don’t be afraid to get some dirt on your hands!