Winters can be very dreary times, especially in northern areas where the sun sets earlier. By the time your sister has fed your dad for the night and driven home, it’s too dark to go outside for a walk. It can be emotionally draining, especially if she’s susceptible to the winter blues, but there are some things you can do to help out this winter, including hiring in-home care providers to give her a break.
Say Thank You
Have you ever told your sister thank you? Make sure she knows you appreciate all she does for your dad. He may not tell her that he appreciates her, so the praise will be welcomed.
Arrange Social Nights Together and Help Her Out
Once a week, arrange a family dinner where everyone can gather. Bring some board games or card games, contribute dishes to create a potluck meal, and let your sister sit back and enjoy having others cook for her. Plus, both she and your dad have other people to socialize with for a change.
Ask what you can do to help out. If your sister helps your dad every day, she might like the idea of having you take over on weekends. Even if you can’t devote both days, a few hours can be enough for her to get things done that she continually runs out of time for. If it’s possible, make this a weekly occurrence
Treat Her to Dinner or Run Errands for Her
Take your sister out for dinner. Choose one of her favorite restaurants and give her the night out that she’s been wanting. You can enjoy a drink and a hearty meal that someone else has to cook. Best of all, when dinner’s done, your sister doesn’t have to wash the dishes either.
As the snow falls and driving conditions change, doing something as simple as picking up groceries can take much longer than expected. If possible, order groceries for the family caregiver and deliver them. Or, arrange to have them delivered. You can also pick up or arrange delivery of prescription refills.
Give Your Sister a Few Days Off by Hiring In-Home Care Aides
When was the last time your sister had a day off? If it’s been years, it’s time to arrange in-home care aides for respite care. You may not be free to take over and help your dad, but that shouldn’t mean your sister has to keep going without having a break.
If your sister is a sandwich generation caregiver, take her kids for the day. Give her a day all to herself.
Schedule in-home care aides to step in and help your dad for several days. During that time, your sister is free to go on vacation or stay home and relax knowing an in-home care aide is providing everything your dad needs.