In a care-giving situation, often the focus is solely on the challenges facing the one receiving care. Yet one aspect of caregiving which is often overlooked in Main Line, PA, including Bala Cynwyd, is the stress which can be placed on home care providers.
Being a home care provider is a challenging job, as you are responsible for another human being’s life. Especially when that person is often facing health issues and, in many cases, is slowly losing their faculties and dexterity over time.
In the event you or someone you know is acting as a caregiver, be aware of the mental and physical stresses that can take place.
Top Five Challenges Facing Bala Cynwyd Home Care Providers
1. Declining Health
In general, caregivers are prone to fatigue due to their responsibilities, and have a higher chance of physical injury – especially if they have to move/carry the patient in their care. Loss of sleep due to stress (or muscle pain) is another serious factor. Studies indicate that caregivers often suffer health problems due to becoming worn down and thus less resistant to illness. Stress is a big contributor to illness as well, and many caregivers suffer from stress due to worry, guilt, and even resentment over time.
2. Isolation
Caregivers often have a hard time balancing their employment, their caregiving, and other personal factors in their life. They may feel that they have to be available all of the time and ultimately, the issue can lead to strain and loneliness. Professional home care providers like Bala Cynwyd’s Neighborly Home Care can provide respite for overwhelmed caregivers.
Regular breaks can offer caregivers the opportunity to exercise, connect with friends and even just enjoy some time alone.
3. Family Strain
In a best-case scenario, the caregiver is fully supported and aided by the rest of the family, which could include siblings or husband and children. Unfortunately, full support rarely happens in real life. All too often, the caregiver has limited external support, or even faces conflict within the family over the care being provided.
Family members should meet to talk about the responsibilities and work out ways for everyone to be involved, whether physically or financially.
4. Tough Care Decisions
When do you stop providing care by yourself? Should you consider a nursing home? How does one handle End-of-Life decisions? What if the one receiving care is clearly unhappy, and nothing seems to help? These questions are unavoidably part of care giving, and rarely have easy answers. Family members can discuss options together and with professional caregivers to see what options are available and acceptable to all involved.
5. Money
When people take over full or even part time care of their aging loved ones, the requirements may tax them financially. Often caregivers help pay for medical care or bills. The time commitment can endanger their jobs, either because they are unable to spend the necessary hours or because their performance suffers. Job loss means no income in addition to loss of health insurance. These financial worries add to the stress already being shouldered by family caregivers.
Neighborly Home Care Can Help
Handling the care for a loved one all alone is unnecessary. Neighborly Home Care has years of experience providing high-quality compassionate in-home care in Bala Cynwyd and the entire Main Line area.We can ease the worries and enable caregivers to maintain family or other commitments while participating in the care of their loved ones. Contact us today to learn about the services we offer, from respite care and drop in visitation, to full time care.