Family caregivers are often the base of support for seniors as they age in place, but who is there to support the family caregivers? So many family caregivers are facing a lot of challenges alone and the responsibilities can weigh heavily. Working with home care providers is one way that family caregivers can build a network that helps protect them from burning out.
Who Gets Caregiver Burnout?
Caregiver burnout is a situation in which the caregiver is so mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted that they just cannot keep on going the way they are. Family caregivers tend to give all they can to all of their various responsibilities, but then find that they have no time or energy left over for themselves. The reality is that this can happen to every family caregiver, not just people who are doing one specific thing. It’s also preventable.
Common Signs of Burnout
Understanding and recognizing some of the signs of burnout helps family caregivers look for solutions that can help, like elder care services. Very often people dealing with burnout feel chronically fatigued or have trouble sleeping. They may experience mood swings more often or experience a lot of irritability. Sometimes people dealing with burnout may develop physical issues, like pain or digestive issues. They also have a tough time maintaining relationships.
Respite from Home Care
The best solution for someone experiencing caregiver burnout is to find respite assistance. Respite care offers family caregivers a solution for temporary relief. Professional caregivers take over temporarily and help with caregiving tasks, spending time with seniors, and allowing family caregivers to step back. Seniors have their needs met, without missing out on any assistance they might need.
Socialization with New People
Spending time with home care providers also gives seniors a chance to spend time around new people. This adds some novelty and excitement to their daily routines that can be revitalizing. For family caregivers, socialization with other people is also important. Because the seniors they care for are in good hands, family caregivers have a chance to go elsewhere and be around new people themselves.
Benefits of Respite Time
Even a few hours a week of respite time allows family caregivers to think about something besides caregiving. Family caregivers experience less stress and anxiety, which automatically pulls them back from the edge of burnout. They may experience better health, too, because they have the time and space to do something about their health issues. When they come back to caregiving duties, family caregivers are better able to connect with the seniors they love, spending more quality time with them.
Talking about Home Care
Talking about the need for home care can feel like admitting a failing for some family caregivers. That’s not true, though. Needing help is not a bad thing at all and family caregivers don’t have to do everything completely on their own in order to do things “the right way.” Broaching the topic carefully and focusing on the benefits can help a lot.
Caregiver burnout is a serious situation, but it is preventable. Home care providers can be a fantastic resource for seniors and family caregivers alike as seniors continue to experience changing needs.
If you are considering home care in The Heights, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care assistance for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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