Home Care in Modesto CA: Caregiver Planning and Sanity
One of the best ways to keep yourself organized as a family caregiver is to have a planning system. If you don’t have one yet, these ideas can help.
Set up a Time Each Day to Update Your Calendar
When you set aside time every day to update your calendar and your to do list, you’re much more likely to be able to focus on what is most important. You might even find that having a few minutes at the beginning and at the end of the day helps you to keep tabs on everything.
Use a Brain Dump Regularly
When you’re keeping a bunch of information in your head, it can keep you from thinking about the things that you need to be dealing with. Something called a brain dump can help. Take out a blank piece of paper and just write down everything you’re thinking about right then. Do this regularly, and you’ll find that you’re not holding onto tiny bits of information that clog up your process.
Get Realistic About What You Can Do
Most caregivers believe that they can do much more than they really can do in the time allotted to them. Part of this is because it’s a normal human response, but part of it is due to the fact that caregivers re just so busy. Be realistic about what all you do every day and how much you can actually accomplish and then factor that into your plans for each day.
Avoid Multitasking
On the surface, multitasking seems as if it is the way to go. What could possibly be more efficient than tackling several tasks at the same time? But it turns out that multitasking can actually tank your productivity pretty heavily. Instead, focus on just one thing at a time.
Leave Room in Your Schedule
Leaving a bit of padding or margin in your schedule gives you time to breathe when you need it. Also, don’t forget to account for the time that you’ll need if you have to travel to an appointment or an event.
It’s easy to forget that time and it can be what leaves you running late.
Once you find the right system for you, you’ll be able to stay on top of tasks and help your elderly family member much more than you ever thought possible.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care services in Modesto, CA, or the surrounding areas please contact the caring staff at ApexCare®. Proudly Serving Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, Solano, San Joaquin & Stanislaus counties.
Call Today 877-916-9111