How to Create a Caregiving Schedule That Works for You

How to Create a Caregiving Schedule That Works for You

No two days as a family caregiver look exactly alike. Some days are more relaxed at home, while others may involve running errands, going to doctor’s appointments, group meetings, to stores.

With so much up in the air, some may be inclined to think keeping any sort of schedule is pointless. This, however, couldn’t be further from the truth. Learning how to create a caregiving schedule that works for you is essential to maintaining your caregiving responsibilities, as well as your life responsibilities. With a clear-cut calendar and list, you never have to worry about your loved one’s needs going unaccounted for.

How to Create a Caregiving Schedule That Works for You

Create a list of duties

You can’t create a schedule without knowing what tasks need to be taken care of. So, sit down to create a list of all the responsibilities that you have to take care of on a regular basis.

This could be anything from grocery shopping to medical appointments to feeding pets and taking regular walks with your loved one. You may forget about certain tasks until the time comes to complete them, so give yourself a day or so to allow these to come to mind.

As you develop your list, note how often these tasks must be completed and how long they take on average. For example, cleaning the kitchen might happen once a week and take about an hour, while helping your older adult loved one bathe might take place every day for roughly half an hour. This will help you organize your care schedules with more ease.

Prioritize your calendar based on needs

As you’re filling out your calendar, first mark what items need to be completed on a specific schedule. This could be recording when specific doctors’ appointments are, when bills are due, or when prescriptions need to be refilled. Once these crucial things are marked, you can create your schedule based on your needs.

On any given day, there will be tasks you physically and emotionally need to complete versus those you would like to complete. For example, you’ll need to make time for your loved one’s daily personal hygiene routine.

Cleaning the kitchen, while important, might not need to happen on a strict schedule. If you have to delay it by a day, it shouldn’t be a problem. If you’re able to complete it early, that’s even better. Prioritize your tasks to maintain flexibility while ensuring your loved one’s quality of life remains high.

Create a daily schedule for your loved one

With your necessary tasks clearly outlined, you can create a daily schedule for yourself and your care recipient. Break down the day with responsibilities to take care of in the morning, then the afternoon, and finally the evening. That could look something like this:

  • Morning: personal hygiene tasks, breakfast, exercise
  • Afternoon: lunch, chores, time for hobbies/rest
  • Evening: dinner, relaxing activity, personal hygiene tasks, bed

Seniors operate well with a daily regimen that remains roughly the same. A reliable routine helps seniors reduce stress, improve memory, and maintain function. Start each daily schedule with the same, baseline routine, then supplement it with any necessary, additional tasks.

Don’t jam-pack your schedule with responsibilities every day, as that is the fastest way to fall prey to burnout. Instead, try to leave room for potential changes, as you never know for sure how long certain activities take.

Caregiver life

Delegate as able

If you have siblings, cousins, or other loved ones who would be willing to assist in caring for your elderly loved one, allow them to do so. Sit down with your friends and family members to ask how much available time they have to help. Whether they can take care of your weekly grocery trips, or can even take over care for a day, it will make a world of difference.

Whatever they can delegate, make sure you schedule it in your caregiving calendar. This will keep you all organized and in the loop.

Don’t forget to budget time for yourself

A key way to be certain you are constantly offering your loved one the best care possible is to take care of yourself too. In your daily schedule, make time to manage your personal needs. Have a relaxing bath, read on your own, or even just sit with a warm drink for a few minutes without thinking about your upcoming care tasks. Your mental health will benefit greatly from this.

Receive support from a caregiver agency

If you find yourself overwhelmed by the demands of caring for a loved one, you’re not alone. Home Care Powered by AUAF offers home care services that can support you and your loved one. For over 30 years, we’ve provided Chicago-area families with the care services they need to allow their loved ones to age comfortably at home.

Whether it’s running errands, personal care, or companionship, we offer personalized support to improve your loved one’s quality of life. For more information on our services, give us a call at 773-274-9262.

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