The Absolute Guide to Taking Care of Kids and Elderly Parents at the Same Time

Caring for kids and elderly parents can be overwhelming at times. That is because both kids and the elderly require support and have increasing care needs. This even becomes more exhausting if you are a working adult. However, there is some guidance you could use to help you care for your kids and your elderly parents simultaneously with ease, even when you are a working parent.

Seek Support

Find a great network of support from friends and family to care for your kids and elderly parents. However, there are times when the obligations overwhelm them, and you need a support system. It is okay to seek professional help. All you need is to seek help via NurseNextDoor.com.au team of professionals, for example, who will offer you in-home care for your loved ones. The sandwich generation prefers in-home care so they can take care of other businesses, such as going to work. 

You could also use tutor support to assist your kids with homeschooling or meal delivery services. House cleaning chores can be overwhelming, be sure to use housekeeping services to help you keep your living space clean and organized, offering you a clear headspace to carry on your daily responsibilities effectively. You will have enough time to care for your kids and parents if you have housekeeping activities sorted out.

Understand Everyone’s Needs

Aging parents and children have very different needs. Their needs are critical, and you may find yourself wondering who to attend to fast and when. A child’s life has many developmental milestones. Toddlers want to learn how to walk and do things independently; others need to attend tournaments, wards, and more. Simultaneously aging parents have very different needs, including health care concerns, transportation assistance, or help with basic needs. Additionally, you also have personal needs that you must attend to. 

To take care of everyone’s needs, know which comes urgently and which ones you can delegate to other family members or professionals. For instance, on the same day your aging parent is going for a doctor’s assignment, it could be the same as your daughter wanting to go shopping for a prom dress. In such a scenario, you could find someone else to take your parents to the doctor while you take your daughter shopping. The child will feel more cared for because going to a prom party is one of the significant milestones for teenagers. Your parents will understand that the daughter requires more care than they did for you.

Meal planning in advance can save you time, money and ensure everyone is consuming healthy food. Consider asking your elderly parents about their favorite meals and try incorporating them into your weekly meal plan. Also, get your children involved in meal planning and preparation to learn more about nutrition and develop cooking skills.

Take Care of Yourself

Caring for yourself gives you more vibrancy to care for your kids and aging parents. Self-care should not be complicated activities like spa days, vacations, or self-pampering. Taking care of yourself could be finding enough hours to sleep throughout the night so your body can rejuvenate. You could function better when you take an evening walk, hit the gym, or meet with a friend occasionally; if that is what you need to feel reenergized, then you must focus on that. Additionally, consider joining a support group for caregivers, which can provide emotional support and practical advice. 

Visit Local Assisted Living Communities

Caring for your kids and aging parents can be overwhelming and almost feel like a crisis, especially when you lack a helping hand from friends and family. Be sure to seek help from assisted living communities in your area. These communities can offer helpful information to consider having your parents over as you look forward to developing a long-term plan. For you to know the best living assistance community for your parents is to visit several and vet them. These communities are essential when your parents reach the critical stages of life that will require 24/7 care such as change of diapers or constant admission of medication. These processes are common when aging adults are hit with dementia.

Transitioning a loved one to an assisted living facility requires careful planning to ensure they feel comfortable and well-prepared. Knowing how to pack for assisted living effectively is crucial to making their new environment feel like home. In doing so, you’ll need to prioritize personal items that hold sentimental value while also ensuring they have the necessary daily essentials and comfort items for a smooth transition. If possible, involve your loved one in packing to help them feel a sense of control and involvement in their move.

While this situation can be overwhelming, with planning, organization, and the support of others, it is possible to successfully care for both generations without sacrificing the needs and well-being of either. If the processes feel overwhelming, seeking support from family, friends, or hired professionals would be best. Delegating care duties to others should not make you feel like you are neglecting your loved ones. View it more as help rather than regret.