Adult children and others who take on family caregiving duties often go into the situation with a sense of duty and honor. They may see caregiving as an opportunity to give back to a senior loved one who has done so much for them. They may also feel allowing a loved one to age in a familiar environment is better than moving him or her into a long-term care facility. However, when individuals begin caring for elderly parents or other loved ones, they may not realize how mentally and physically exhausting the journey will be. Consider these reasons caregiving can be exhausting.
Caregivers Have Other Obligations
Research shows most family caregivers are in their mid to late forties, meaning they typically have other responsibilities, such as maintaining relationships with spouses, raising children, and working full-time jobs. Spouses and children may expect the caregiver to carve out time for family outings and other activities. It’s uncommon for employers to offer flexible scheduling or work-from-home opportunities for family caregivers. Fulfilling so many roles while caring for an elderly parent is a significant reason for exhaustion.
Families who need help caring for a senior loved one can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of in-home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
Caregivers Often Become Healthcare Providers
Imagine having an elderly parent who has been discharged from the hospital and requires 24/7 attention as he or she recovers. Furthermore, what if there isn’t a prognosis for full recovery? Suddenly, the caregiver must take on all the duties previously performed by hospital staff. These duties include assisting with bathing, dressing, and toileting, preparing special meals, and assisting with ambulation. Attempting to take on all of these responsibilities can be physically overwhelming.
Professional caregivers can be a wonderful source of information and support for family members caring for aging loved ones. When researching agencies that provide elder care, Anchorage, AK, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Home Care Assistance.
Caregiving Can Lead to Mental Exhaustion
Caring for an elderly parent can be mentally exhausting when caregivers feel they have no one to talk with about the situation. Acquaintances who haven’t experienced caring for an elderly parent aren’t always sympathetic. Siblings and other family members sometimes avoid calling or visiting because they may not want to be involved.
The caregiver who feels trapped and longs for an escape from caregiving may experience guilt, which can lead to depression and feelings of isolation. Mental fatigue can be as dangerous as physical exhaustion because it can cloud judgment necessary for safe and sound decision-making.
Caregiving Often Interferes with a Good Night’s Sleep
Most adults need at least eight hours of sound sleep each night to stay healthy and function safely. It’s not unusual for individuals who take care of their elderly parents to get up at all hours of the night. Seniors may need help going to the restroom, require medication, or have difficulty sleeping.
A caregiver who doesn’t get enough sleep may feel extremely sleepy and tired. Failing to get adequate sleep puts caregivers at risk for dangerous situations such as vehicle accidents and injuries.
Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Anchorage, AK, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (907) 770-0907 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.