There are a lot of positive aspects of being a family caregiver for a senior. It’s rewarding to know that the things you do for them really matter and improve the quality of their life. However, it’s also a lot of work. Most family caregivers spend an average of 21 hours per week on caregiving tasks. Unfortunately, all that extra responsibility can be tiring. It can also be stressful trying to fit in those tasks along with your job, your other family members, friends, and social activities. Many family caregivers find themselves feeling overwhelmed, but they still feel like they should be able to do it all. It can be hard to recognize when it’s time to get help. Below are signs that indicate it may be time for you to enlist the help of family, friends, or a professional senior care provider.You Experience Mood Swings
One minute you’re feeling sad and like your life will never be your own again. The next minute you’re angry. You don’t want to be a caregiver and it’s not fair that you’re stuck doing it. Those are all legitimate feelings and there’s nothing wrong with feeling any of them. But, when you feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster ride that doesn’t end, it may be a sign that you need help.
Caregiving Has Taken Over Your Life
Do you ever feel like you’re missing out on things because of your responsibilities? Maybe a friend invited you to dinner and you had to say no because you knew your aging family member was relying on you. Or, perhaps you spend nearly every minute that you’re not at work with the senior. If you feel like you never have time for yourself anymore, you probably need some assistance.
Your Health is Suffering
The stress of caregiving takes a physical toll on your body. You might notice that you catch every illness that’s going around and that it takes you longer to get better. In addition, you may start skipping your routine medical appointments because you feel like you don’t have time or that the older adult’s health is more important than your own.
If you’re experiencing one or more of the above, it’s time to consider asking for help. Family and friends are often willing to help, but aren’t sure what they can do. Identify some specific tasks you could hand off to someone else, then call family and friends and ask if they can help. Another option is to hire a senior care provider to come to the older adult’s home and assist with their care. A senior care provider can do many of the things you’re currently responsible for. They can assist with personal care, housekeeping duties, food preparation, and medication reminders. Senior care providers can spend just a few hours a day with your older adult family member, entire days, and can even stay overnight.
Sources
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/caregiver-17/caregiver-more-help
https://www.aarp.org/relationships/caregiving-resource-center/info-12-2011/caregiver-burnout.html
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/caregiving-recognizing-burnout
https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-statistics-demographics
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Stuart, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.