If you’re a member of the “sandwich generation”—someone who cares for both kids and senior family members—you already know that back-to-school season is one of the busiest times of year. Not only does the school year come with a laundry list of errands, seniors also tend to schedule more activities as the weather cools down.
With so much to manage at once, life can feel overwhelming this time of year—but you’re not alone, thanks to the many resources and programs available in Norfolk. Here are some of our favorites.
How to Find Help With Back-to-School Season in Norfolk, NE
Back-to-school time can be challenging, but Norfolk offers resources to care for each member of the family: kids, seniors, yourself and even pets. With after-school activities for kids, exercise programs for adults and seniors and professional pet care services, there are plenty of options right in your backyard.
- Flex Your Muscles
Strange as it seems, focusing on the tasks at hand isn’t always the best (or even the quickest) way to get through them. Our brains just weren’t designed for the kind of sustained stress that periods like back-to-school season bring, which is why the most effective way to approach a difficult problem is often to back off and take care of yourself.
There are plenty of ways to do that, but one of the quickest and most effective is a quick workout. Exercise has been shown to lift mood, reduce stress and boost energy—even when you don’t feel like it’ll help. That’s why, when you’re exhausted, frazzled or frustrated, a quick trip to a local gym like the Norfolk YMCA is one of the likeliest ways to help yourself feel better. Odds are that when you return, you’ll feel refreshed and be more able to be there for the people who matter most.
The Y can even help you care for your loved one and yourself at the same time with senior-focused exercise classes.
- Schedule After-School Activities
As much as you might want to, no parent can be there for their kids 100% of the time—nor should they. You also need to make time to care for your loved one, go to work and even rest on occasion. For their part, children also need an opportunity to explore, run around, play and make friends.
One good way to simplify caring for your family in a way your kids will enjoy is to find them a good after-school program like The Zone. These programs were originally developed to keep kids with working parents active and entertained during the afternoon, but they’re also a great resource for family caregivers who balance caring for their children and their parents.
Programs like The Zone do far more than simply giving kids a place to go after school. They offer fun activities to keep kids active and entertained, helping them connect with peers and build important life skills. They also tire your children out, making for a quieter, easier night afterward.
- Find a Reliable Dogsitter
Being a family caregiver can come with some long hours, which makes caring for furry friends more difficult.
If your kids have the time, or if your loved one has the energy, you may be able to deputize them by having them walk, feed and care for your pets. If not, it’s critical to find reliable help for walks and mealtimes. For occasional help, you can usually count on nearby friends and neighbors to help with a bit of advance notice. However, if you need reliable help over a longer period of time, a professional pet care service like Norfolk Dog Boarding is your best friend.
When life gets busy, a dog boarding service can be a lifesaver. They’ll take nearly every aspect of pet care off your plate for a period of time, freeing you up to focus on everything else this time of year brings.
Get Help With Senior Care During Back-to-School Season
If you’re caring for both children and seniors, back-to-school season can be one of the most hectic times of year. The good news is that you have options. With resources like activities for kids, workouts for adults and professional pet care services, Norfolk has plenty of resources to help.
If you need help caring for a senior in your life during back-to-school season, FirstLight Home Care of Norfolk is here to help. In addition to the great resources available locally, respite care can give you the breathing room you need to care for your loved ones and yourself. With respite care, our skilled and compassionate caregivers can step in while you handle everything else, knowing your friend or family member is in great hands.
Want to learn more about how our caregivers can make your life easier? Contact us today.
