Time Management For Caregivers
Whether you are caring for a parent, family member or working for a home care agency as I do, these tips apply to you. Being a seasoned veteran in this field, I have learned that time management for caregivers is the most important thing when limited to certain hours and even when you are a live-in caregiver.
For some, these tips may seem trivial or simple common sense. For others they may be very helpful, as when you are just starting out it can be very overwhelming and when that happens everyone suffers.
Medication
If you are responsible for setting up medications, choose the quietest time possible so there will be no interruptions. It is too easy to forget if one pill was placed on its appropriate day/hour and then have to go over them all. This will waste time. Having a pill organizer and medication schedule are the ultimate tools and make this task efficient.
These days, some pharmacies even offer pill packs to keep daily meds and vitamins easy to dispense.
Multitasking-Yes There Is Such A Thing
I will give a for instance. I arrive at a home and have three hours to spend there. The first thing I do is put dishes to soak if there is no dishwasher. On this day there is also laundry so I gather that up and load it to wash. I then wash the dishes and discuss meals. (This is also chit-chat time).
Once dishes are finished I make out the grocery list. By this time the washer is done. I put clothes in the dryer and start another load if there is one. While the dryer is going I use this time to do the shopping. This takes approximately 30 minutes. I return, put foodstuffs away and check the dryer. Then I cook whatever is requested.
Most of the time it is a simple meal that takes 10-15 minutes. While my charge is eating I will clean the bathroom and fold a load of laundry, then gather those dishes and wash them. I had already washed the pans. The sink always has dishwater until I am finished cooking etc. This makes it easier and no time is spent filling the sink.
If I need to cook meals to last over the weekend, which I do each Friday; I get those started then go about dusting, vacuuming, and mopping. The kitchen is the last room I clean. I clean as I cook as well, so there isn’t a pile to wash again. Before I leave, the dishes, etc are put away.
Create A Routine
Devising a regular consistent routine makes time management for caregivers easy. And your loved one or client will appreciate it as well. It will be familiar and they will always know what to expect. If a bath or shower is required, gather everything needed ahead of time so there is no risk of leaving someone alone in the tub/shower. Safety first! Many folks become frightened when left alone and with good cause. It is a slippery environment.
Spend as much time as possible conversing as well. Chatting while you dust the living room as they watch their favorite program will help create a good rapport. Knowing that you are interested in them is important. People get lonely and if they are homebound isolation sets in and that will take its toll. Pay attention to moods and appetite. The sooner you spot depression the easier it is to help treat.
If you are a live-in caregiver
It is just as important to get some outside help so you can take time to recharge. Even a few hours a week can make a great difference in your own mental health. It is not easy! Anyone who says it is easy has never really taken on the task.
How do you determine time management if working in a home care setting or have a loved one living with you? I would love for you to share with others. Leave a comment!
Until next time, make each and every day count for something!
Lisa
