Work & Family Balance – We All Need Help
By Kristin Stetler Donovan, Owner, Age Advantage of Newark
For over a year, the pandemic, Covid, has put everyone to the test. Parents have struggled working from home with children online learning and trying to balance work and home all within the same four walls. Zoom has a new meaning to children and adults alike. There have been countless memes, news articles and points of discussion surrounding working from home and childcare, but what has not been discussed are those juggling work, childcare and being a full-time caregiver for a parent or parents at the same time. It is often underestimated the amount of time that family members devote to their loved ones.
The last fourteen months have been filled with a lot of isolation and a lot of emotional guilt for those providing support to their loved ones residing in communities and it left those supporting their loved ones living at home with fear of potentially exposing them to Covid–19. Needless to say, providing support for a parent or loved one residing in a community or living at home is always challenging when trying to balance work and home. As summer is upon us and the world is opening up again, it is another period of change and transition. Change is always stressful! The forecast is hopeful that visitation will remain open for our loved ones residing in communities, children will be attending school in person in the fall and those working will potentially soon return to an office environment.
Age Advantage has supported many residents during the pandemic when visitation was not allowed. It was exceedingly difficult to witness the loneliness of residents missing social interaction, family visitation and suffering from isolation. Also, seeing the family members struggle not having access to their loved ones was heartbreaking.
I have always loved spring and summer, it is a time of rebirth and renewal. It seems even more relevant this year. Every day is a little brighter and it seems that every embrace of a loved one is more special. Now that the world is reopening and summer vacations are happening, it is also a time for planning. Now is the opportune time to plan for the fall if you are caring for an aged loved one. Now that “normal” school functions will be in full swing and the daily commute begins to school and work, you may find yourself needing additional support for your grandparent, mom, dad, aunt, uncle, friend or whoever it is that you may be lending support.
Many people are unaware that there are services that provide additional support from companion services to personal care services. Age Advantage is a bonded, licensed and insured agency that provides these types of services and many others. We can assist with grocery shopping, meal preparation and light housekeeping, to mention only a few ways in which we support the elderly. Our mission is to help facilitate senior’s independent lifestyle, while at the same time lending support and relief to those primarily responsible for their loved one’s care. If you feel that you may benefit from our services or support, please contact us and we would be happy to discuss options for care. We can be reached at 302-722-8240 and are excited to hear from you and hopefully assist with your future care plans.
Testimonial
“Thanks so much for your help staying ahead of the proverbial curve. Stuff happens and you guys always respond. What a great team of aides you guys have access to: highly qualified and very professional and a pleasure to work with. Keep up the great work. We look forward to future and continuing aide service with you.” ~ Sincerely, C.G.
“Thank you for everything this year – I couldn’t do it without you!” ~ V.F.
“Kudos to Age Advantage!!! I was enormously impressed with your quick response to our immediate and dire need. I met some of your folks and they were delightful. My mother was certainly in good hands. Thanks for your efforts on a late Friday afternoon. ~ D.F.
