How to Involve Teens in Primary Family Care (and Why You Should)
For many older people, the high cost of long-term care and other long-term care facilities and home health care assistants is not financially affordable. Others can afford this type of care but choose to live with family members or have lived in multi-generational homes their entire lives. And some are able to continue living on their own, but need occasional help with certain tasks.
Whatever the reason, this scenario is not unusual for members of the Sandwich Generation, who combine raising children and caring for older family members. Every situation is different, but parents of teens have a unique opportunity to get some help with their caregiving responsibilities by giving their kids a learning opportunity. Here’s what you need to know.
How to get teens involved in basic care
No one is suggesting that you involve your teen in the more difficult aspects of caregiving. But according to the AARP , there are several ways to get them involved that will not only make your life easier, but will also teach them important life skills by giving them the opportunity to spend more time with an older relative and respecting everyone’s needs. .
Here are some suggestions from AARP :
Help with technology
As digital natives, today’s teens have never known life without the Internet, computers, social media and, in some cases, smartphones. Put their skills into practice by asking them to set up tablets, smart devices, or other technologies, and then explain to an older relative how to use them.
Cooking and/or cooking
Most teenagers know how to cook, although you may need to teach them the basics first. If they are unable to prepare simple meals on their own, they can at least help with meal preparation, such as washing and chopping vegetables, washing dishes that are already in the sink, and getting any necessary equipment or tools. to prepare food on the counter and ready to go.
Household chores
Again, most teenagers are more than capable of doing housework like vacuuming, laundry, snow removal, and wiping kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Whether it’s tasks done specifically for an older relative or tasks that benefit the whole family, the more they can do, the more time is freed up for their parents, allowing them to take on other caregiving responsibilities (or maybe even have the occasional moment for yourself).