Caring for a spouse or partner can change how you spend your days. You may find yourself setting aside hobbies, missing time with friends, or putting your own interests on hold. Senior caregiving can make it difficult to balance your loved one's needs with your own. These practical suggestions from Senior Helpers can help you stay connected to the activities and relationships that matter to you while continuing to care for your partner.

Making Room for Yourself in Senior Caregiving

You may not have decided to give up your hobbies or social activities, but caregiving responsibilities can gradually take up more of your time. A doctor's appointment might conflict with your regular card game, or you may skip a club meeting because your spouse needs you at home. After a while, you might lose touch with people you used to see regularly.

The National Institute on Aging links loneliness and social isolation to health concerns in older adults. Keeping in touch with friends and taking part in familiar activities can provide companionship and emotional support for you and your spouse.

Decide Which Interests Matter Most

You don't have to return to every activity you enjoyed before becoming a caregiver. Start by thinking about the hobbies and social routines you miss most. Maybe you enjoyed working in the garden, singing in a choir, attending a weekly card game, or spending time with friends.

Choose one or two activities you'd like to make room for again. Then look at your weekly schedule and consider when you could fit them in. Even setting aside an hour for a favorite pastime can give you something to enjoy outside your senior caregiving responsibilities.

Keep Your Friendships Going

Friends may not always know how to stay in touch after your responsibilities change. Some might worry about interrupting your routine, while others may assume you're too busy to get together. Let the people close to you know that you still value their company.

You can also suggest ways to spend time together that fit your schedule:

• Invite a friend over for coffee or lunch.
• Arrange a regular phone call or video chat.
• Ask someone to join you for a short walk.

Let friends know that you appreciate invitations, even if you can't always attend. Staying in touch doesn't have to involve a long visit or an elaborate plan. Regular conversations can keep friendships active and give you a chance to talk about things beyond caregiving.

Arrange Time Away When You Need It

Keeping up with your interests may require someone else to spend time with your spouse while you're away. A family member could take over for a few hours each week, or someone from your faith community might be available to visit.

In-home care is another option to consider. A caregiver can provide companionship, assist with meals and light housekeeping, and offer reminders while you attend an activity or meet a friend. Making time for yourself is a reasonable part of senior caregiving, not something you need to feel guilty about.

Make Time for Your Interests with More Support at Home

You don't have to give up your hobbies or friendships to care for your spouse. Senior Helpers Greenwood-Aiken provides in-home companionship and assistance with everyday routines, giving family caregivers time to attend to personal interests and relationships. If you could use additional support at home, contact us to start exploring your options in Aiken, Greenwood, North Augusta, Chapin, and Newberry.