Caregiving can be a challenging task, and the majority of caregivers say they experience stress on a daily basis. Stress is a fairly complicated emotion that can be linked to many underlying issues, but being aware of the causes of stress can help you find ways to properly address the issue. Here are the main causes of caregiver stress and how to address them.
1. Poor Self-Care
Many caregivers end up ignoring their own needs to make sure their senior loved ones are safe and comfortable. While admirable, this can end up causing a lot of stress in the long run. Make sure you take the time to eat well and exercise. If possible, have someone else watch your loved one so you can have a little time to de-stress without focusing on caregiving tasks.
Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Frederick families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation.
2. Financial Concerns
If your loved one faces unexpected health issues, you and your family may have a difficult time balancing finances. This sort of pressure can feel overwhelming, so consider meeting with a social worker who can recommend government programs or charitable organizations that help families with financial challenges.
3. Guilt
Caregivers are under a lot of pressure to live up to the stereotype of a devoted, loving, competent individual, so any time they fail to meet these impossible standards, they may feel guilty. You need to be able to accept that you cannot do everything and recognize the tasks you do complete are extremely valuable.
Professional caregivers can be a wonderful source of support for family caregivers who are feeling the effects of stress. When researching agencies that provide in-home care, 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 Assisting Hands Home Care. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Assisting Hands Home Care team today.
4. Concern about Loved Ones
With all the day-to-day minutiae of being a caregiver, it’s easy to overlook the emotional toll of caregiving. Family caregivers are often in situations where their senior loved ones are so sick they can no longer live independently. Having someone you love be so ill can be a constant source of stress and concern. Attending a caregiver support group or therapy session can help you manage this cause of stress.
5. Loneliness
Even though caregivers interact with their loved ones regularly, they often end up feeling fairly isolated from everyone else. Many caregivers are stuck in the house all day, and the inability to connect with anyone else can put a lot of strain on their wellbeing. It’s important to remind yourself that it’s okay to get someone else to watch your loved one while you visit friends.
6. Lack of Sleep
Almost all caregivers fail to get enough sleep. Even if they’re not getting up to take care of their loved ones during the night, they tend to stay up late to find time for their social or professional lives. This lack of sleep puts an extensive amount of stress on the brain. Try to aim for at least seven and a half hours of sleep each night, even if it means cutting back on other activities.
If you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed by your caregiving responsibilities, a professional caregiver can provide the support and encouragement you and your loved one need. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide home care. Frederick families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
