Whether you have recently taken on the role of caregiver, are expecting to become one soon or have been a caregiver for a while, it is important to know you are not alone. For many, it can be very rewarding to provide care to a loved one when they are unable to handle their care on their own, but pouring into and looking after someone else can also take a toll on the one proving the care. Caregivers often face challenges including stress from added responsibilities, feeling alone and guilty about their emotions, and even financial strain. Let’s look at some of these challenges and review tips on how to overcome them along with resources available to support you along the caregiving journey!
About Caregiving
Essentially, caregivers are people who care for other individuals (often a family member) who require some degree of assistance with everyday tasks on a regular basis. We often think of care recipients as being elderly individuals, but recipients can be of any age with chronic illness or disabling conditions.
A study by the National Institute of Health, “found that one in four U.S. adults reported caregiving within the last year, and most (60%) expected future caregiving responsibilities, corresponding to over 155 million adults.” In 2009, unpaid caregivers provided an estimated $450 billion worth of care each year. There is a growing need for these unpaid caregivers due to an increasing elderly population and decreasing family sizes.
The CDC raises concerns about the healthcare needs of the caregivers themselves as many caregivers report an increase in chronic conditions and a decrease in routine care and check-ups. Unfortunately, in a recent study done by National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, 23% of American caregivers reported caregiving has made their personal health worse. Let’s take a look at some of the challenges caregivers commonly face.
Challenges Caregivers Face
Stress
Many caregivers aren’t formally trained and work jobs on top of their caregiving responsibilities. The added list of duties that come with the caregiver role can bring heightened levels of stress complicated by other challenges that can lead to “Caregiver burnout”.
Role Reversal
Stress on caregivers can also be contributed to by a change in roles in the case of care recipients that used to be the caregiver (such as parents or grandparents). Caregivers often struggle to find a balance in providing assistance without invading or completely eradicating the recipient’s privacy and sense of independence.
Guilt
Caregivers may also find themselves battling a sense of guilt when they notice feelings of stress, being overwhelmed, resentment and burnout. They may have been under the impression that caring for their loved one would be a positive, rewarding experience and think something is wrong with them for feeling these types of emotions.
Financial Strain
There may be financial strain on the caregiver due to stopping or reducing work hours. Some caregivers may pay out of pocket for services such as meals, medical services, transportation and other expenses.
Personal Health Concerns
As mentioned above, 23% of caregivers in America report that caregiving has negatively impacted their own personal health. Approximately 2 in 5 caregivers have two or more chronic conditions which can be complicated by the stress of caregiving and neglecting one’s own healthcare.
Tips and Resources for Succeeding as a Caregiver
Help the patient to be as independent as possible
It is important for the care recipient to maintain a sense of independence when able. Empowering the patient to do things for themselves will also help reduce the caregiver’s load. Smart devices that can remind patients to complete certain tasks or using a pill organizer box or HERO medication dispenser so that the patient can be in charge of taking their own medication are a few examples of creative ways to allow the care recipient to be independent as long as they are able.
Develop, engage, and mobilize your support system
You do not have to do this alone. Finding individuals who are willing to lend a hand while being willing to accept the help is crucial to successful caregiving. Other family members that can provide transportation or sit with a homebound patient can be a resource along with neighbors and/or members of one’s local church that can do a grocery run or check in from time-to-time on a loved one that still lives alone; these are all great places to look for support.
Respite care
The role of caregiver can be demanding at times. It is important to take time off occasionally, just like we need vacation time from our other jobs! Respite care provides temporary relief for caregivers, whether planned in advance or needed during an emergency. Click here for more information on the different respite care options that may be available to you.
Local and online support groups
Sometimes it can be helpful to hear from other individuals in similar circumstances. Caring.com and the Caregiver Action Network are a couple of sites where you can find both local and online support.
Community programs
Another great way to find support is through programs in your community. Your local community center/senior center may have classes, socialization opportunities along with other resources, many times at little to no cost.
Maintain your own health
It’s easy to focus on the needs of others and overlook your own, but prioritizing self-care is essential for your health and well-being. But as the saying goes, “you can’t pour from an empty cup”. Make sure you are taking time to eat healthy, get regular physical activity, go to routine medical screenings and check-ups, as well as take time off to rest and recharge!
Get organized
It can be overwhelming, especially when new to the caregiver role, trying to keep track of medications, medical appointments, and other needs. Check out this Complete Care Plan Form free from the CDC!
Financial resources
Expenses for things like medical care, meals, etc often add up for both the care recipient and the caregiver. Here is a list of a few helpful financial resources:
- Medications: Try goodrx.com or needymeds.org
- Care needs for patients with chronic conditions: If your loved one suffers from a chronic condition like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, Parkinson’s, dementia, etc., look into specific conditions through the National Foundation as they often can assist with financial programs or refer you to an appropriate program.
- Food, transportation, etc.: findhelp.org is a database of community resources including food banks, transportation, senior programs and other free or reduced cost services that you can search for by your individual need and zip code.
Being a caregiver to your loved one is a noble and gratifying undertaking. However, there is no question that it is also a demanding one. Know you are not alone; the resources listed above are available to anyone who may find themselves in a caregiver role. You can also check out this article for more ideas on how to make sure you are caring for yourself while caring for others!