There are many challenges faced by family caregivers, but there are also some simple solutions to overcome them.
Caring for your aging parents is a remarkably rewarding act of love. As you think about the care they provided for you when you were growing up, you now are able to reciprocate. It allows you to take your relationship with your parents to a whole new level.
Having said that, providing care for family members isn’t always a bed of roses. It is important to be aware of the pitfalls you may experience and to know how to manage them to protect your own health and wellbeing. Some of the typical challenges faced by family caregivers include:
Lack of Sleep
Interrupted sleep can arise from an older adult whose circadian clock has shifted, causing them to waken more often during the night. It can be the result of stress and worry. If dementia is a factor, sundowning and wandering can cause you to stay on alert. Ample sleep is vital to your ability to offer the best care for your parents, as well as for your own emotional and physical wellness.
Lack of Privacy
Your physical and emotional privacy can both be compromised if you are sharing living space along with your parents. This is particularly true if one or both of your parents have dementia, which could cause them to feel lost or fearful when you step out of the room. Similarly, your parents may struggle to maintain privacy while in your care.
Lack of Support
You might feel as though the lion’s share of caregiving falls on your shoulders. This can cause you to assume you are solely responsible for your parents’ care, which is not just overwhelming, but can cause hurt feelings and frustration in other relationships. No one person can effectively care for another on their own. Trying to achieve this places you at an increased risk for depression, burnout, and other serious health conditions, and also impacts the level of care your parents receive.
How Can You Overcome the Common Challenges Faced By Family Caregivers?
Fortunately, there is one simple solution to all of these concerns. At Home Care Company’s in-home caregivers are available to partner with you to ensure the best care for your parents and a healthier life balance for you. Taking time away from caregiving isn’t just a smart idea; it is essential.
Our respite care services allow you to take necessary regular breaks from caregiving for your own self-care, while enriching the lives of your parents. We provide additional opportunities for socialization and engagement in enjoyable activities combined with the necessary support to promote safety and comfort – so you can have peace of mind knowing your parents are in the best of hands while you’re away.
Contact us online or at 515-292-2650 to learn more about our customized in-home care solutions for older adults. Our services are available in Ames, Nevada, Boone, and the surrounding areas. Visit our Service Area page to see if we can help in your community.