Many family caregivers dedicate their time and resources to helping their loved ones age in the comfort of home. However, the day-to-day stress of caregiving can take its toll. Here are a few things that can lead to caregiver burnout.
1. Balancing Multiple Responsibilities
Most caregivers are forced to juggle other work and family obligations. The constant stress of being pulled in multiple directions can leave a caregiver feeling overwhelmed. It is important for caregivers to understand their limitations and to ask for help from family, friends, or a licensed home care company.
If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated home care company. Green Valley Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.
2. Increased Isolation
When an individual is caring for a loved one 24/7, he or she may not have the opportunity to share feelings with others. Connecting with others who are going through similar circumstances can help caregivers realize they are not alone in their fears and frustrations. Local churches, senior organizations, and home care agencies are good resources for finding caregiver support groups in your area.
3. Neglecting Personal Needs
To care for someone else, you must first care for yourself. If you consistently go without adequate sleep and proper meals or fail to maintain your own wellbeing, you risk becoming sick to the point you can no longer care for your loved one. Many home care agencies offer respite care services that can provide caregivers with the opportunity to address their own needs.
Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Green Valley, AZ, respite care experts from Embrace In-Home Care are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities.
4. Lack of Control
Certain physical and cognitive ailments are incurable and tend to progress with time, making a caregiver feel inadequate or unprepared. To maintain a sense of control, caregivers should learn as much as possible about their loved one’s condition by researching reputable online resources and talking to healthcare providers.
5. Unreasonable Goals or Expectations
When you are caring for a loved one full-time, you might end up trying to achieve perfection. No one is going to blame you if your house is not spotless or your lawn is not perfectly manicured. Focus on spending quality time with your loved one and try not to be a perfectionist in matters that are less important.
6. Guilt Over Personal Feelings
Caregivers are often afraid they will be considered selfish if they take time for themselves away from their loved one. Caring for a loved one does not mean you have to give up everything else that makes you feel happy or complete. Setting aside time each day or week to do something for yourself can help you recharge and become a better caregiver.
7. Lack of Support from Others
Whether it is financial assistance, a shoulder to lean on, or physical help, caregivers need support from others. Caregivers should hold open and honest discussions with family members so there is a clear understanding of what type of help each person can provide. Home care agencies, support groups, and community organizations are also valuable resources for finding various types of assistance for caregivers.
Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Green Valley, AZ, Embrace In-Home Care are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. For comprehensive and quality-assured senior in-home care services, talk to one of our professional Care Managers at (520) 625-2050 today.