While our seniors require eldercare in the home, or in Long-Term Care, there are many issues that provide a barrier to successful transition from independent to dependent living.
If we still keep our elders at home, they are happier, and often healthier, but more at risk psychologically, socially, physically and emotionally.
Often, Caregivers are unaware that they indeed are Caregivers. “Oh, I just help my mom eat.” Or, “I help bathe and dress my father.” While we do help those we love with activities of daily living (i.e. bathing, dressing, and feeding), it is important to be aware that we become Caregivers for seniors when doing these activities on a daily basis. Once we do this, we can then work towards receiving help.
Caregivers are spouses, children, parents, workers, volunteers, grandparents, and anyone who helps another person is a caregiver. These tasks can be quite time consuming.
Caregivers themselves run the risk of burnout as well. Some profit and non-profit agencies provide respite or day away programs for senior care. This alleviates the burden or providing the quality of care that our seniors deserve.
Family Caregiving Roles
- Bathe their loved ones
- Wash, dry, and brush their loved one’s hair
- Brush teeth; clean dentrues
- Shave loved ones legs, underarms, and/or face
- Do laundry
- Shop for groceries and then cook/prepare meals
- Run errands
- Drive loved ones to appointments
- Administer medications; give shots
- Make sure loved one is safe
- Provide emotional support
The family caregiving role can be quite time consuming, not allowing Caregivers to take notice of how they are feeling. In order to be effective Caregivers, it is important for us to recognize the signs of stress. Then, we are able to relieve some of this stress and perhaps stop stress before it creeps up on us.
Signs of Family Caregiver Stress
Withdrawal
Caregivers may withdrawal from family and/or friends. They may also stop doing activities that were once enjoyed, such as knitting, reading, or walking.
TIP: Look to family and friends for support. Sometimes we just need to vent our feelings about the current situation. Even if you don’t feel like going out with family/friends, try to force yourself to get out of the house. You deserve a break!
Sleeping Difficulties
Caregivers may have a hard time falling asleep and/or staying asleep.
TIP: If possible, take short naps throughout the day. If your loved one lives with you and has a nap, lie down as well. Try not to think of all the things you have not done. Those things can wait. Your health is more important than running to the store for some milk.
Exhaustion
Caregivers for seniors may be overly tired from all the caregiving for seniors tasks, such as running errands, cooking, and cleaning. They may feel that there is not enough time in a day to do everything they need to do.
TIP: Try not to overload yourself each day. Make a list and stick to it. Prioritize your list with the tasks that are most important. You know your limit the best, so if you find yourself getting tired, stop and relax.
Lack of Concentration
Caregivers have so much on their mind that I call it “brain overload.” The mind may be wandering, thinking about what else has to be done.
TIP: Take things one day at a time. Again, make a list and check tasks off as soon as they are complete. Hang a calendar on the wall, so you can see what appointments you may have and also to prevent you from making more appointments on that day.
Weight Loss/Gain
Family caregivers may find that they are gaining weight due to emotional overeating. Or, Caregivers for seniors may not eat due to not enough time or no appetite.
TIP: Being healthy is very important. It will give you more energy during the day. If weight gain is a problem, consult your physician.
Popularity: 12%
