Taking care of a loved one who is injured or ill can be a rewarding task. However, caregiving duties can become stressful over the course of time. If not handled properly, stress accumulation leads to caregiver burnout. Here are a few reasons family caregivers may experience burnout, brought to you by the leading provider of home care, Tucson families trust.
1. Fear and Uncertainty
Having a senior loved one who lives with a progressive medical condition can cause fear related to the senior’s future. If the older individual has special medical needs, the caregiver may feel overwhelmed or inadequate. To prevent the situation from becoming stressful, family caregivers should consult healthcare specialists and reputed home care experts.
If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a Tucson home care company you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
2. Isolation
Caring for seniors on a continual basis can make their caregivers feel isolated from the rest of the world. Family members often find themselves tied to the commitment of providing care, which leaves them with little time to connect with the outside world. Eventually, the caregivers can become depressed and resentful. Caregivers must find ways to reconnect with friends and other family members on a regular basis.
3. Underestimating the Role
Family members may view the caregiving experience as rewarding. However, they may be unprepared for the challenges that accompany the role. When faced with the long hours of work combined with the physical and emotional challenges of caring for another, caregivers tend to become stressed and burned out. Seeking knowledge and assistance when needed helps reduce stress levels.
4. Self-Care Deficit
Managing caregiving duties while holding down a full-time job or running a household leaves little time for caregivers to take care of their own needs. A poor diet, an inadequate amount of sleep, and a lack exercise can cause physical, emotional, and psychological health issues. Caregivers should consider taking a break from their caregiving duties every now and then to focus on their own health and wellbeing.
Tucson respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
5. Guilt
The stress involved with providing care may lead to lashing out at an elderly loved one or other people. Caregivers might feel a sense of guilt because they are not able to accomplish all tasks on their own. Guilt commonly leads to anger, depression, and resentment, which further affects the ability to provide care. Caregivers must forgive themselves for being human and accept their inadequacies.
6. Shifting Roles
Caring for an elderly parent who was once the provider can become emotionally and psychologically stressful when that person is now in a vulnerable position. The situation may cause negative emotions for both the caregiver and the aging parent, which heightens the risk of stress for the caregiver. Talk to someone about how to manage caregiving duties and the stress associated with this possible role reversal.
7. Financial Concerns
An elderly loved one who needs ongoing medical care combined with the expenses of living could become a concerning financial hardship. Caregivers may cut employment hours to provide care for a family member or they might quit working altogether, which can cause them financial problems. State and federal programs are available to help ease the financial burden.
For many seniors in Tucson, AZ, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Home Care Assistance, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness. For details about our premier home care services, give us a call at (520) 276-6555 today.