7 Practical Tips Every Millennial-Aged Family Caregiver Needs to Know

What if I told you that there is a growing number 20- and 30-year old’s that are hiding in the shadows doing something that their peers know nothing about. “What might that be,” you ask? What if I told you that more and more millennials are taking on the responsibility as a family caregiver? Would you believe me?

While the majority of 20- and 30-year-olds are going to college, growing a career, marrying, and starting a family, there is a group of 6.1 million Americans that have reported that they have provided unpaid care to a loved one. According to several research studies, 24% of caregivers consist of the 18–34-year-old age range.

Many of these people have expressed concerns on losing themselves. Losing a social life they once had. Losing friends who don’t understand what they are going through. Feeling isolated and alone. Many in this age group have put attending a university or pursue their dream jobs on hold to take care of their loved one.

Many caregivers in this age range are walking around feeling resentful that this is what their life looks like. Comparing their lives to others who are seemingly carefree.

Subsequentially, many have neglected their own self care needs, and have reported declines in their own health since becoming a caregiver.

Here are 7 tips to help Gen X/Millennial aged Caregivers along their journey.

1. Develop a strong routine and schedule. Learn to manage your time well. It is helpful to have planner or calendar to not be caught off guard with appointments and other caregiving needs.
2. Don’t feel bad about scheduling time for yourself. Everyone needs to be able to take some time away to pursue their personal hobbies or things they enjoy doing.
3. Schedule self-care on the schedule. Exercising, eating healthy, going to your own doctor’s appointments is just as important. You can not take care of others well if your own health is suffering.
4. If the situation is applicable, discuss with your loved one regarding legal documents such as a living will and health care power of attorney. Without these, you will not be able to help make decisions regarding care for your loved one if the situation arises. If this is new for you, feel free to reach out to local agencies for aging that can point you to several resources.
5. If finances are an issue, then think about sticking to a budget and finding resources that could potentially benefit you and your loved one. For example, the VA can help provide financial resources (in some cases) regarding your loved one’s care and situation. There are even some states that have resources that pay family caregivers for their services. Seek out your local agencies for more information regarding that.
6. Consider seeking out respite care services or asking a family member or friend to help, especially when you need a break. Knowing your limit will allow you to refresh your soul and be able to provide excellent care in the future.
7. Stay in tune with your emotions. If you have noticed you are becoming anxious or depressed, consider talking to a therapist or counselor. There are several incredible resources for finding one. Several therapists even specialize in helping with caregiver stressors.

Sources:

https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/2020/05/full-report-caregiving-in-the-united-states.doi.10.26419-2Fppi.00103.001.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/aging/caregiving/caregiver-brief.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1449485/