Boomers as Caregivers & Business People
As my mom developed Alzheimer’s, she became Jim’s and my responsibility. I had to juggle the role of caregiver with a writing business, substitute teaching and helping Jim operate an Internet based business. At first, Mother lived in her home 275 miles from us. Then we moved her to our home, and finally she lived in a nursing home near us.
We learned to care for her in all these stages and still keep our businesses going. It wasn’t easy, but in looking back, I wouldn’t have done otherwise. Some of our work slowed down as we traveled weekly to her home. Then that part eased when I moved her to our home. However, trying to keep on a schedule with an Alzheimer’s patient in the home (who didn’t sleep much at night) became another type of challenge. Even when Mother resided in the nursing home, there were frequent visits, her care to oversee, and her business affairs in her home state to manage.
What can you do when you’re a caregiver, but still have to go on with life?
- Try to become more organized.
- Find activities the patient can be involved in with you.
- Decide on your priorities and let other matters slide.
- Enlist the help of spouse, children and siblings if possible. (My husband was a great help; my daughter and family lived 600 miles away; siblings were not in a position to help either.)
- Find if there is professional help available. My neighbor, who was caring for an aunt with Alzheimer’s, helped me with this.
- Relax and enjoy that person as much as you can. There are joys in each day and the memories will be worthwhile.
- Take time for yourself. Take care of your health.
How do you cope with caregiving and business?