Caregiving can be an isolating and challenging experience.
Family caregivers spend over 24 hours each week caring for a loved one, although some reports show over 40 hours in total caregiving duties. Studies also show the caregiving burden is highest amongst those caring for a spouse or partner. American Senior Communities says, “Family caregiving usually involves tasks above and beyond assisting with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing and eating, but also medical or nursing tasks typically performed by a nurse.”
Time Management
Caregiving often leads to less personal time. Eventually, caregivers start to sacrifice hobbies, vacations, and life balance.
Emotional and Physical Stress
As life becomes more unbalanced, it is difficult for caregivers to manage emotional and physical stress. These demands can even deteriorate a caregiver’s health.
Lack of Privacy
When an adult child brings an elderly parent into the home, privacy is often sacrificed. The constant interactions and reversal of roles can leave both parties missing boundaries.
Sleep Deprivation
Some conditions can lead to erratic sleep schedules for both patient and caregiver. Lack of sleep can lead to emotional and physical challenges for caregivers.
Depression and Isolation
Family caregivers are at high risk for depression as the caregiving duties often leave no time for activities outside the home.
Being Afraid To Ask For Help
Asking for help can sometimes make caregivers feel like they aren’t providing enough care. In addition, caregiving can feel like a familial duty, and asking for outside may feel like a sign of weakness.
While asking for help is tough, practical and medical support are the antidote to these caregiver challenges. Without support, the burden of caregiving escalates. Home health care allows families to keep their loved ones at home while providing: skilled medical support, healthy boundaries, emotional and physical relief, and peace of mind as health conditions change.
