It’s Labor Day, a holiday established to observe the “social and economic achievements of American workers” (per the US Department of Labor website). If you’re a caregiver though, you are working today just as any other day, whether your caree is at home or in assisted living.
For the millions of Americans who are also working full- or part-time, trying to balance a career and caregiving responsibilities, Labor Day will likely be celebrated differently than in other households. Though you can’t take a day off from caregiving, enjoy the simplicity of only doing one job today.
If you do have to work today, call a friend or family member and ask for help, even if it’s just for a few hours this evening so you can have a break when you get home. If no one is available, order out, or if possible, go out to dinner so you don’t have to cook or clean. Defer the laundry and dishes for a day. Don’t make the bed. Take a hot bath or savor a cup of tea in the evening. Do something relaxing and restoring.
As a caregiver who doesn’t get paid holidays, it’s important to give yourself breaks wherever and whenever you can. Balancing a career and caring for a senior is hard work.
Dig deeper: Read our post, “Day Off From Caregiving?”


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