A caregiver is anyone who aids another person in need, such as a disabled spouse, ill child, or ageing parent. However, given the current economic status family members caring for senior adults is becoming increasingly difficult. Despite the large percentage of family members providing care, many don’t recognize their role as a caregiver, and even more, are unable to recognize when they’re feeling overwhelmed.
Signs of Being Overwhelmed
We understand that providing in-home care to an aging parent or other family member can be rewarding for many reasons. For most caregivers, being available when a loved one needs someone is an important part of providing care. However, having to balance work and life responsibilities with care-giving can cause high levels of physical and emotional stress. Signs of caregiver exhaustion include:
- Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or sad
- Feeling abandoned by others, such as family members or friends
- Worrying often and Feeling tired
- Gaining or losing weight
- Feeling irritated or angry
- Difficulty sleeping
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Aches, pains, or other physical problems
Overtime, those who experience this level of caregiver stress can become vulnerable to diminished health. Overtime this can harm your health.
Risk Factors
In-home caregivers are more likely than non-caregivers to experience depression and anxiety, suffer from lack of sleep, and become malnourished, all of which increase one’s risk of health complications and chronic diseases, such as diabetes and coronary artery disease. Risk factors for caregiver stress include:
- Having no formal education
- Living with the person you’re providing care for
- Having limited social interaction
- Receiving no help with caregiving duties
- Having poor coping skills and problem-solving capabilities
Too much stress, especially over a long period of time, can harm your health. To help manage caregiver stress, it’s important to set realistic goals, see your physician regularly, and accept help when needed.
It may be difficult for you to take time away from your aging loved one, but taking a break from caregiving duties may be the best thing you can do for yourself and the person you’re caring for. Kells Home Healthcare provides respite care services.
Our team of compassionate and professional caregivers can provide a number of in-home services, including assistance with ADLs, physical therapy, rehabilitation, speech therapy, and more. If you’re still not sure if quality home healthcare by Kells is right for you and your family, our respite care services provide a temporary break from your caregiving duties and caregiver stress.
For more information or to request an in-home assessment please click here.