Parents and grandparents get older. They need additional attention, and you’re not ready to give their life to a nursing home or pay for in-home care. Instead, you take on the responsibility of caring for them instead.
Read about some of the common struggles family caregivers encounter when caring for a loved one in their home.
Lack of Personal Space
When do you have the time to do activities for yourself? Do you feel like your family member has invaded how you live? Or taken over a portion of your house that you can no longer use?
Things begin to change in your life when you start to care for a family member. Your daily routine is entirely different. Instead of waking up in the morning and going to brunch, you’re waking up and helping your loved one eat breakfast and take their medicine.
It’s an overwhelming change. While you have an important responsibility now, always remember to find a space that’s your own. Step into a different room to read or watch TV for 20 minutes. Sit outside with a cup of coffee. Take advantage of those moments when you can find time for yourself.
Financial Strain
When a person cannot care for themselves, they need some extra help from someone they trust. Some people move their loved ones into a family member’s home so that they can be a caregiver at all hours of the day.
Not only does this situation contribute to the lack of personal space, but it also places a financial strain on the family. Caregivers potentially quit their jobs or spend more money to care for an additional person each month. It can add more stress due to the additional worry that your family doesn’t have enough money to survive into the next month.
Fully Understanding Medical Conditions
Caregivers are more than resources for emotional support. They must understand the ins and outs of their family member’s medical condition to care for them properly.
You must understand your loved one’s medications and when they must take them. You may even need to know about necessary urological accessories for those who have incontinence. Outside of routine care, caregivers must stay up to date with doctor’s appointments and procedures and communicate effectively with healthcare professionals about how to best care for their family member.
It’s an intensive and stressful responsibility. In the beginning, you may struggle. It’s not easy to stay on top of each of these things. As time passes, you’ll become more comfortable as a caregiver and provide excellent care for your loved one.
Minimal Support
Lack of support is a challenge many people endure in their daily lives. For family caregivers, minimal support is one of the most common struggles. While you’re there for your family, few people show up to get you through the hard times. You feel isolated by your responsibilities.
When you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. Reach out to friends for a fun time or their assistance. In the moments when you feel alone, friends and family can lift your spirits.
Becoming a caregiver is an extraordinary deed that sometimes goes overlooked. You must never forget your worth and prioritize good mental and physical health. Your loved one cannot survive if you neglect your well-being along the way.
Are you looking for more great advice? Check out our podcast, That’s Total Mom Sense, where moms share their experiences for fellow parents to learn from!
