Care for the Caregiver

With nearly half (53%) of all caregivers reporting a decline of health affecting their ability to provide care, it is important to keep the health of your caregiver in mind (NAC, 2006).

Caring for an aging loved one can be a testing experience. It can be difficult to slowly watch a family member lose their independence and often, their mental capacities. More often than not it is a middle aged family member who takes on the responsibility of being the primary caregiver for their parents. Without additional support, this caregiver can quickly find themselves overwhelmed and depressed. While many caregivers find themselves up for the challenge, others may find it more difficult to adjust to the constant demand of being a home care provider. In an effort to be there for the health of a loved one, many caregivers sacrifice theirs.

Stress and depression can come in many forms. Often, caregivers have to take a leave of absence from work, or they have to cut back their hours to be at home more often. As a result, both parties have to sacrifice and do without. The loss of monthly capital can lead to stress as it becomes harder to pay the monthly bills. Additionally, the loss of personal interactions with colleagues in the workplace can leave a caregiver feeling lonely. Managing one’s family can also be difficult and being a caregiver can also lead to stress in the marriage. Rather than sacrificing one’s health and family for the care of a family member, a caregiver must provide care for themselves first so they may be able to care for another.

There are various ways for a caregiver to stay positive during the time they spend caring for someone. Rather than feeling trapped, a caregiver should do their best to encourage social interactions for both themselves and their aging parents or patients. Dinner socials, poker/bridge nights, and birthday parties should all be encouraged to maintain a festive attitude throughout the home, and to avoid it from feeling like a prison. Maintaining the home clean can help keep good spirits and inviting visitors will give you a good reason to clean and to stay possitive. The caregiver should also make an effort to invite their family to these events to help maintain closeness and to promote family interaction during this time of change.

While maintaining social interactions can help a caregiver stay healthy, many others find success by turning inwards and focusing the time on improving themselves. Some may choose to take up a hobby or learning a new skill, while others may choose to begin an exercise regimen to improve their own health. This can be light to moderate exercise; just enough to get your blood pumping. Feel free to invite your aging family member to also get moving. Regardless of age, seniors can all benefit from staying active. Lastly, a caregiver should always have a dependable back-up such as, San Diego Home Care Provider-Constant Companions to help out when things get tough, and you need a break. Call Constant Companions today for support in caring for your loved ones. Hourly rates are available as well as 24 hour support. Call today for a free Consultation.