For their children, families, and aging relatives, more than 65 million American women gave unpaid care in 2020. 1 It’s simple to envision that many of them balanced taking care of a variety of these dependents. If you’ve ever been responsible for providing ongoing care for a parent, partner, kid, sibling, or someone else, you may be familiar with the typical emotions of being overburdened, weary, out of your element, and even slightly resentful — and then feeling terrible.
Everyone’s situation is unique, but you should reevaluate your options if providing care starts to negatively impact your emotional, physical, or financial wellbeing. If you’re willing to ask for assistance, you can usually obtain it.
We can assist you by working as your partner in long-term financial planning using insurance solutions, both for the finances of the person providing the care and for your own. If you have any questions, please give us a call. Here are some suggestions to assist you in juggling the responsibilities of caring with the rest of your life in the meantime.
It’s possible that you already have a support system in place. They might not initially offer because they think you have everything under control, they don’t see how much support you might use, or they don’t want to shoulder the load with you. Regardless, you should pick individuals whose abilities you are confident in and request that they each take on a portion of your obligations. This may entail assisting with managing finances, arranging caring duties, and dealing with legal and medical difficulties.
To maintain the strength to balance your life and your caregiving responsibilities, regular exercise and regular health checkups are crucial. 4 Exercise your desire to try new things, such as yoga, golf lessons, or learning to play an instrument. Even if you feel exhausted, enroll in a gym, join a reading club, or schedule regular outings with pals since you’ll probably feel more energized. Look for chances to laugh frequently. Spend time alone and with those you find appealing. Whatever your interests are, keep them in mind. To feed your spirit and regain your vitality to tackle all of life’s duties, you must indulge in your passions.
The stress and even depression associated with caregiving is real, debilitating and highly prevalent throughout today’s society. When you need help, do not hesitate to speak with a mental health professional who can help guide you through your feelings and develop coping strategies. Consider resources you can rely on for when you absolutely need a break, be it another family member, caregiver service or adult daycare center.5
Content prepared by Kara Stefan Communications.
1 National Partnership for Women & Families. May 2021. “Women Carried the Burden of Unpaid Caregiving in 2020.” https://www.nationalpartnership.org. Accessed March 22, 2022..
2 Jackie Gillard. Today’s Parent. Sept. 29, 2020. “Help yourself! 8 tips for teaching kids to be more independent.” https://www.todaysparent.com. Accessed March 22, 2022.
3 Jodi Clarke. verywellmind. July 26, 2021. “How to Build a Relationship Based on Interdependence.” https://www.verywellmind.com. Accessed March 22, 2022.
4 American Heart Association. Oct. 25, 2021. “Top 10 Caregiver Tips for Maintaining Health and Well-Being.” https://www.heart.org. Accessed March 22, 2022.
5 Mayo Clinic. March 22, 2022. “Caregiver stress: Tips for taking care of yourself.” https://www.mayoclinic.org. Accessed March 22, 2022.
