Caregiver in Carmichael CA
When people choose to care for an elderly loved one, their life radically changes. Suddenly, the person caring for their loved one has to adapt to a new schedule that involves medication reminders, personal hygiene and nutritional needs are met, and keeping their loved one as involved in family and other social activities as they can. Taking over the day to day duties as a
caretaker is difficult. While the majority of people take on the role of family caregiver out of love, it can eventually lead to negative feelings toward their loved one.
As family members become involved with the daily routine of their senior loved one, they can lose themselves. Many are unaware of these changes since they tend to happen over time. According to AARP, there are distinct warning signs that the person providing care may need to take a step back and look at other elder care alternatives.
- The family caregiver, who is normally quite congenial with family, begins to be short-tempered and overreact to seemingly minor events. This is a warning sign that they are quickly becoming overwhelmed by the job. Encourage the family member to call a trusted confidant and share their feelings of frustration. Making a daily list of “things to do” that prioritizes the tasks can provide a sense of control. If they seem overwhelmed, give them a break. Offer to take a shift so they can have dinner with a friend or contact a home care agency about respite care. Many agencies provide in-home care services so families can take a long weekend or a much needed vacation.
- The family caregiver seems to be sick all the time. As the stress of care giving mounts, it takes its toll on the immune system. If he or she seems to be getting sick or not getting over an illness, have them see their primary care physician. Family members caring for loved ones must be vigilant about routine exams, such as blood pressure screenings, mammograms, immunizations and other routine screenings. Taking a preventive stance helps them take better care of their loved one.
- They no longer exercise, even if they know they should. Exercise helps improve the immune system while decreasing stress. Encourage the person to take a walk or jog, workout to their favorite video or just dance to their favorite music. Even short bursts of exercise are helpful.
- The person providing care has more emotional ups and downs than a roller coaster. Family caregivers, particularly those who care for a loved one with a degenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s, ride a roller coaster of emotion. On their loved one’s good days they’re up; on their bad ones they sink. If the up and down cycle goes too long, be sure the person visits with their doctor. There are support groups for caregivers that provide them with a safe place to share their frustrations and fears with others who are doing the same thing.
- The family caregiver does their job 24/7. There comes a time when everyone, even the best caregiver, needs a break. There should be a list of relatives or friends they can call on so they can have a few hours to themselves. No one can run full throttle without a break. Help the family member to see that a break is not only good for them, but also for their loved one.
When a family caregiver is doing all they can and still needs help, contacting a home care agency for assistance provides a much needed respite for the person providing the care and can still help elderly loved ones stay home.
If you or an aging loved one needs caregiver services near Carmichael, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
Source
http://www.aarp.org/relationships/caregiving-resource-center/info-12-2011/caregiver-burnout.html
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