When talking about senior healthcare services in Philadelphia, focusing on the problems seniors may face as they age is fairly common. Caregiving is about making life comfortable for elderly loved ones while helping them maintain as much independence as possible. However, having this focus tends to make us overlook the very real challenges faced by caregivers themselves easy.
Providing full-time or even part-time care for an older person can create numerous challenges for the caregiver. These problems often go ignored, even by the caregivers themselves. All too often, feelings of guilt and responsibility lead them to minimize any problems they face during caregiving – but the problems remain, building up over time.
As a caregiver agency in Philadelphia, we want to shine a light on the caregivers: the stress they are under, the problems they deal with, and solutions for alleviating those burdens.
Understanding the Problems Facing Senior Caregivers
Estimating the scope of the problems caregivers deal with can be difficult because research into the topic is sparse. However, a recent study conducted by the Associated Press and the NORC (National Opinion Research Center) Center For Public Affairs Research highlighted some of the difficulties facing caregivers.
The study encompassed over 1,000 adults over the age of 40 who are engaged in some form of caregiving for an elderly family member. Some of the highlights of the findings include:
- 77% of respondents described caregiving as “stressful.”
- 52% described caregiving as “overwhelming.”
- Nearly half report that balancing caregiving and work is “moderately” or “very” difficult to do. Male caregivers, in particular, were likely to report that their employers were unwilling to work with them.
- More than 15% report missing out on job opportunities, having job roles reduced, or even being fired due to caregiving.
- 52% reported feeling sad because of their caregiving. The rate rises to 70% among those caring for adults in cognitive decline, such as those with Alzheimer’s Disease.
- Only 33% report having sufficient training in the medical care they are providing.
This data easily shows just how difficult and stressful caregiving is on the caregivers.
Caregiver Agency in Philadelphia Brings Help to Caregivers and Their Loved Ones
In our own work as a caregiver agency in Philadelphia, our team at Neighborly Home Care sees numerous family caregivers who are suffering from depression and other medical problems, on top of dealing with financial and job-related burdens as well. The problems being faced by these brave individuals should be recognized, and we believe caregivers should receive all the help and support they need to remain happy and healthy.
In future blogs, we will explore this topic further. In particular, we will focus on finding solutions to the physical and mental toll which caregiving can take, as well as how to maintain unity within a family providing care. If you are in a caregiving situation and need help, whether you need part-time or 24 hour assistance, or just respite care, please contact us.