The National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) estimates there are nearly 35 million family caregivers in the United States. On average, these caregivers spend more than 24 hours per week providing care for senior loved ones. If this is something you do on a regular basis, take a moment to learn more about the common challenges family caregivers face and how to address them.
Time Management
There’s no set schedule for family caregivers. If your loved one only needs minimal assistance, it’s probably not going to be too difficult to work his or her needs into your normal schedule. But if demands on your time increase, you may need to consider:
• Asking for help from other family members
• Respite care for times when you need to personally recharge
• In-home care so you can maintain a better balance with your time in a way that doesn’t leave your loved one uncared for
Families who need help caring for a senior loved one can turn to Embrace In-Home Care, a leading provider of home care services. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
Physical Stress
Assisting with physical transport and mobility and taking care of household chores are some of the ways caregiving can be physically demanding. Over time, constant physical stress can contribute to back and joint problems. Possible solutions include getting help from other family members and using appropriate assistance devices.
Emotional Stress
If you’re caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, or another progressive condition, it can be emotionally distressing. As a family caregiver, it’s important to have friends you can talk to about your feelings and get the emotional support you need. Counseling and support groups can be equally beneficial.
Sleep Deprivation
Seniors with dementia and similar conditions sometimes have issues with their sleep-wake cycle, which may mean their family caregivers need to be available 24/7 in case they wander or need some help during the night. You may also have a difficult time sleeping if you’re constantly stressed about your caregiving duties. In-home care is one way to manage this problem in a way that allows you to remain well rested. Remote monitoring technology and personal emergency alert systems are additional options.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality in-home care, Green Valley Embrace In-Home Care can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.
Health Concerns
Not paying attention to your own health needs increases your risk of developing health-related problems that could ultimately keep you from being an effective caregiver. Instead, keep up with your own doctors’ appointments and make an effort to get regular exercise and stick to a healthy, balanced diet. Doing so also sets a good example for your loved one.
Financial Strain
Because family caregivers aren’t paid, financial strain can become an issue. This is more likely to happen if caregiving takes you away from your paying job more often. Again, this is where in-home care can be beneficial. It’s also a way for you to maintain a consistent routine with what you do for paid work and the time you spend caring for your loved one.
Lack of Privacy
If your loved one reaches a point where he or she needs to live in your home so you can provide care, you may have concerns about privacy. One way to handle this issue is to use remote monitoring tools so your loved one can request assistance while still respecting your space. Setting reasonable boundaries can also be helpful.
Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Green Valley families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation. Embrace In-Home Care will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call us today at (520) 625-2050 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.