Manage Caregiver Burnout and Guilt with Home Care Services
According to the Population Reference Bureau, Americans above sixty-five will make up 24% of the total population by 2040. Additionally, 9 out of every ten persons above 65 say that they would want to age in place. Independence and freedom to live as they wish are the primary reasons provided for wanting to remain at home. Home care services can help your loved one achieve just that.
What Is Caregiver Guilt and Burnout?
As a primary caregiver, guilt may be a familiar feeling for you. It propels you to do everything you can to care for your loved one, most times, at the detriment of your health. But everyone has a breaking point, and the caregiver burnout sets it.
Caregiver burnout is physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that arises from the responsibilities of caring for another individual. You may focus too much on the needs of your loved one, often neglecting yours. It is important to acknowledge the warning signs and seek help, such as home care services.
Sings of Caregiver Stress
Most primary caregivers are often accustomed to the heavy demands of caring for their loved ones that they never notice the burnout set in. Here are some warning signs that you may need to call in elderly care services.
- You no longer find pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
- Fatigue
- Having problems relating with other members of your family or friends
- Having trouble sleeping, drastic weight changes, or unexplained medical conditions
- Becoming easily irritated or angry
How Home Care Services Can Help You Manage the Guilt and the Stress
The guilt may trap you into thinking that you have failed if you seek help through elderly home care services. However, the in-home caregiver can help look after your parent, and you take a break to tend to yourself. Here are a few ways you can benefit.
1. Round-The Clock Home Care
One of the greatest worries for most primary caregivers is to leave their loved ones unattended. You do not have to push yourself hard beyond the limits with in-home caregivers ready to help. You can have companionship and a general caregiving package, where the caregiver will spend the day with your parent. They can also carry out housekeeping, grooming, and meal preparations.
2. Respite Care
Ready to take a slight break from the responsibilities? Respite care packages from elderly home care agencies allow aides to come to your place and look after your loved one for an agreed period. You could use the weekend getaway, a few days off the week, or even a couple of weeks to get yourself back into good shape. You can have peace of mind that your Mom or Papa is still receiving the care they need.
3. Home Health Care
The in-home caregiver can handle transportation duties for your parent, taking them to their medical appointments. Additionally, they can remind your loved ones to take their medication. You do not have to worry about your parent missing their dose while you are out running errands.
Caregiver’s burnout and guilt are real yet often ignored. Take a break to look after yourself with home care services so that you can better look after your loved one. To check out Alarys’ respite care or 24-hour in-home care service packages, contact us today to learn more about our services.
