Taking on the role of family caregiver can be exciting and allow family members to bond with their senior loved ones. However, daily responsibilities can become stressful and increase the risk of burnout. Below you’ll find some of the common challenges of being a family caregiver and ways to address each problem.
Anxiety
If your elderly parent receives a bad diagnosis, it could increase your stress levels. To manage anxiety, speak with a family caregiver support group and try to learn as much about your loved one’s condition as possible. Remember, you’re never alone, and it’s okay to take time off to address the anxiety and regroup.
Sleep Deprivation
When caring for seniors, family caregivers often experience restless nights. Instead of getting adequate sleep, they may wake up in the middle of the night to help with medication, take their loved ones to the restroom, or check on their parents’ safety. Develop a plan that allows you to sleep while your loved one is resting. It might help to hire a professional caregiver to come in and assist you a few days each week, ensuring your loved one is taken care of and you’re not sleep-deprived.
Families who need help caring for a senior loved one can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elder care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
Sibling Conflict
It’s not uncommon for siblings to clash over their loved one’s care plan, especially when it pertains to scheduling and caregiving responsibilities. Learn to respect your siblings, and try to work out a routine that suits everyone’s needs and boosts your loved one’s quality of life. Be open to suggestions from your brothers and sisters instead of shutting everyone out and trying to handle the role without assistance.
Lack of Balance
Separation is crucial for family caregivers because it allows them to handle their self-care needs, such as exercising, working on goals, socializing, and taking up purposeful hobbies. Failing to find time for yourself could increase the odds of caregiver burnout and put your parent’s health in jeopardy. An excellent way to find balance is to dedicate time to yourself each day and focus on what you enjoy.
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. Tucson families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
Financial Stress
Healthcare costs can overwhelm family caregivers and cause them to worry about their parents’ basic needs, such as food, transportation, and hygiene. Look for financial support to handle this challenge. The support could come from close family members or friends as well as government agencies and nonprofit organizations in the community. Receiving financial support could reduce stress and enhance your mental and emotional wellbeing.
Fear
Learn to accept your best and continue trying, regardless of the outcome. The reality is some days will be better than others, but you should never give up. When you allow fear to take over, you may doubt your caregiving abilities and fear the worst regarding your parent’s health. Stay in contact with your loved one’s doctor, and follow all recommendations. Try to remain realistic when setting health-related goals, and find positive ways to manage bad news.
Families who need help caring for a senior loved one can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Tucson home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more. If your loved one needs assistance with the challenges of aging, reach out to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate Care Managers today at (520) 276-6555.