Millions of family members around the world assume the responsibility of caring for older loved ones. It’s vital that caregivers ensure they have support networks for their benefit as well as for the wellbeing of the seniors they care for. There are many important reasons family caregivers must have support.
Take Time Off
Caregivers might become ill, have personal emergencies, or just need breaks away from their regular duties. In any event, other family members or professional caregiving staff must be on hand to assume the caregiving duties. Statistics indicate that up to 37 percent of family caregivers experience burnout. Not taking much-needed time off remains one of the primary contributing factors. Caregivers need the chance to take a day, a weekend, or more time away in the same way employees need breaks from regular jobs. Time away gives you the chance to take care of yourself and rejuvenate.
Caring for an elderly loved one is a challenging task for anyone. The responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming, but help is available. When researching agencies that provide elderly home care, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Prestige Home Care.
Form a Decision-Making Team
At some point, your loved one may develop a serious health problem. Financial concerns may arise. You shouldn’t have to make important decisions alone. Having other people to consult with brings a variety of ideas, strategies, and problem-solving solutions to the table. Working with other family members provides the opportunity to sit down and discuss the issue at hand and brainstorm to arrive at a decision.
Get the Chance to Vent
Personality clashes and disagreements between you and your loved one may eventually become stressful. Unexpected behaviors or situations may arise that make caregiving more challenging. Circumstances may cause frustration for you, and you might feel overwhelmed or at a loss for how to handle certain situations. Sharing problems with other family members or a caregiving support group gives you a chance to vent. Support groups in particular are ideal places to share problems because group members can empathize with each other. Otherwise, keeping negative thoughts and emotions buried could lead to physical issues.
Gain Knowledge
Networking with family members, your parent’s healthcare team, and other family caregivers gives you the chance to gain much-needed information about your loved one’s medical conditions, medications, behaviors, and other challenges you might encounter. Another family member might offer insight based on general observances. You can learn how to make certain tasks easier or discover how to conserve your time and energy. Consulting with experienced caregivers serves as a valuable resource for information.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Windermere elder care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Prestige Home Care is here to help.
Minimize Stress
Welcoming outside support ensures you’re better able to handle stressful situations. Knowing a team has your back enables you to manage challenges in a calmer, more informed manner.
Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Prestige Home Care, Prestige Home Care can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (407) 232-7155.