Family Caregivers
Relatives are commonly the main source of care and support for older adults with chronic illness and disability. These caregivers are family members, partners, and sometimes close friends who provide assistance, typically unpaid, to someone who has limitations in physical, mental, or cognitive function. Caregiving is not a new role for family members. Traditionally, the family has been responsible for the emotional, physical, and financial support of family members.
More Caregivers Required
In recent years, modern medicine and health technology has seen the average life expectancy go from 47 years in the year 1900 to 79 years today. Along with this aging population, there has been a rise in the number of older adults who are living with chronic health challenges, and therefore in the number of caregivers required to assist them. The major burden of care has fallen on family members.
Caregiving Can Be Tough
Caregivers provide a valued service to family members and society, but sometimes at great cost to themselves. For many individuals, being exposed to and supporting a family member with disabling chronic illness is a great stressor. Care is often required for many hours each day. It is persistent, and sometimes extends over months and often years. It is typically unpredictable, often uncontrollable, and in some cases requires high levels of attention. Caregiving can create substantial physical and psychological strain.
Caring for another person requires a range of skills including problem solving, decision making, communicating with others including other family members and medical providers, and consistent monitoring of recipient’s well-being. A caregiver's ability to effectively care for the recipient depends on their own physical and mental health, and their knowledge and skill level. It will also depend on the accessibility and affordability of the necessary services and support.
Family Caregivers
Typically, as an older family member ages, family caregiving begins with an awareness that there is a need for periodic assistance to the recipient. This might be for transportation to medical appointments, or grocery shopping. Over time there is an evolution into increased care, which may include assistance with household tasks, and then progressing to assistance with self-care tasks. This evolution may at any time require a more highly trained paid caregiver, depending on the family’s abilities. End-of-life care may require placement in a long-term care facility or hospice program.
When there is a sudden illness, the need for care is more immediate and may fluctuate through a treatment program or reduce, as with stroke or cancer treatment.
Same Generation Caregivers
Same generation caregivers are sometimes close siblings but are usually an older adult’s spouse. Same generation caregivers have different physical and cognitive capabilities and commitments to caregiving than next generation caregivers, who are usually a recipient’s children. These same-generation caregivers are themselves at an increased risk of age-related physical and cognitive decline and may require additional assistance with their care-giving duties. Same generation caregivers are more likely to feel that caregiving is an obligation.
Effects of Caregiving on Caregivers
According to recent research, the negative effects of caregiving on the caregiver are many more than the positive effects. From health and quality of life to relationships and economic security, the stress of being a caregiver can affect all aspects of life, but they don’t have to. These negative effects can be modified through adequate awareness and self-care management. It is important that caregivers learn to follow a healthy lifestyle outside of their recipient care.
There are also caregivers who find great benefit in caregiving. Recipient care can instill confidence and self-esteem in caregivers, teach them better communication and relationship skills, and build their general knowledge and life skills. It can provide a sense of purpose in life and the knowledge that not only is the recipient receiving excellent care, but that as a caregiver, they are making a difference in the lives of others.
Self-Care for Caregivers
Caring for others is a noble choice and can be the source of many lessons in life. One of the most important of these life lessons is learning to care for oneself. A caregiver is relied upon for the care and quality of their recipient’s life. A day spent when they are unable to complete their duties can be very problematic, especially when the recipient is dependent on them for their daily life processes and activities. It takes a lot of physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional energy to care for a loved one.
Self-care includes general health and wellness activities such as eating well, exercising, getting plenty of sleep, and maintaining personal hygiene. See your doctor regularly. Maintain your hobbies and interests. Keep up with your friends.
Stress is one of the primary depleting factors of life as a caregiver, so stay on top of managing it. Do Tai Chi or yoga, meditate, talk with a counselor or life coach. Seek support in local caregiver support groups or online. Take a break or a vacation.
A Professional Caregiver
A professional caregiver can be an important part of your support system when you are working on living your best life. A professional caregiver can provide care, and companionship for you in the comfort of your own home. They can be there when you need a break if you are caring for a loved one. You can find a professional caregiver through our website whether you need someone full-time, or for just a few hours a week. Right at Home will work with you to select the perfect, qualified, professional caregiver to make sure that your loved one’s needs are met. Each caregiver is screened and bonded to ensure professionalism. Our unique five-step process will provide just the right fit for your family. Contact us today at 631.352.0022 and ask for a FREE in-home consultation.
