There are many components to caregiving, and many responsibilities that go along with it. Caregiving can be a very rewarding experience, but many caregivers often face challenges that leave them feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and alone.
Caregiving duties tend to take up so much time that many caregivers struggle with maintaining social connections outside of the home, have difficulty managing time, and sacrifice things that they enjoy like vacations or hobbies, often molded by a sense of obligation coupled with the inability to ask others for help.
When a person takes on the role of caregiver, they must make a lot of adaptations in their lives. As a result, this can lead to higher levels of emotional and physical stress. Since many caregivers are providing help, or remain on call all day, it is often difficult for caregivers to get a break and take the time to care for their own needs.
Family caregivers are often at high risk of depression, and anxiety and when caregivers do not seek out the help they need, it can lead to caregiver burnout. This happens when you reach a level of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion.
Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout may include:
– Withdrawal from friends and family
– Changes in sleep patterns
– Feeling depressed, helpless, and hopeless
– Appetite, weight, or eating pattern changes
– Emotional and physical exhaustion
– Substance abuse
– Weakened immune system with increased illnesses
It’s important for caregivers to seek a balance between their own life and caregiving. Therefore, a care manager can be invaluable when caring for a family member. Care managers allow caregivers the ability to focus on their own needs, while also assisting elderly adults in areas of care such as care coordination, wellness checks, facilitating treatment and living options, advocacy, support, and so much more. Even the simple act of finding respite care while the caregiver enjoys a vacation can do so much to take the burden off the caregiver. Families in our community can partner with us to get the breaks they need while still maintaining a high level of care for their aging family members. You can get a break and still take care of them.
If you or someone in your family are facing aging challenges, please give us a call at (203) 258-2640 or email us at info@growingoptions.com. We’ll be happy to assist!