Caregiving can be a full-time job that typically doesn’t come with a manual. That’s why Comforting Care Services provides caregiver support to those looking after a spouse or loved one.
Many caregivers struggle with anxiety, guilt, fear, anger, and sadness. As their responsibilities increase, their emotional and physical health may decline and impact their ability to fulfill personal and professional responsibilities outside of caregiving. The constant strain may necessitate outside support.
Common Caregiver Challenges
Caregivers may face the following struggles as they look after their loved one:
Lack of knowledge.: Family caregivers typically lack the medical training necessary to meet the care needs of their loved one. Oftentimes, caregivers are thrown into a role out of necessity. The solution to this challenge is to seek caregiver support. This support may be offered by other family members or by trained professionals who specialize in caregiving. Professional organizations have a wealth of knowledge and resources that can help family caregivers excel in their role.
Guilt: Caregivers may struggle with feelings of guilt, thinking they’ve failed their loved one. The key to addressing caregiver guilt is recognizing that it’s typically misplaced. Caregivers should understand that they’re human and mistakes will happen. Getting the help of a professional caregiver may also alleviate feelings of inadequacy.
Struggling to say “No”: Family caregivers may feel bad for saying “no” to their loved one. The caregiver is usually the child of the aging parent, and the caregiver may feel an obligation to meet every desire of their parent. In these moments, it can be helpful to step away and ask for guidance from a professional caregiver.
Lack of time: Caregivers not only have to make time for their loved one, but also keep up with family and work responsibilities. This can lead to lack of time for self-care and other important duties. A professional caregiver could be a great option for family caregivers who simply need some more time for themselves.
Chronic physical and emotional stress: Caregiving is a 24/7 job that can become quite labor-intensive as the loved one’s health deteriorates. The caregiver will also experience a negative effect on their health, from chronic physical illness and emotional stress leading to depression and anxiety. The solution for this challenge is to prioritize rest.
Sleep deprivation: It can be difficult to fall asleep after a day spent making tough decisions and resolving scheduling conflicts. To improve sleep habits, caregivers can practice good sleep hygiene by avoiding electronics before bed, skipping caffeine in the afternoon, and setting boundaries for sleep time.
How We Support Caregivers
Comforting Care provides critical education to caregivers looking after loved ones. Depending on the caregiver’s needs, we can offer the following:
- Community resources
- Assistance filling out insurance paperwork
- Counseling and emotional support
- Bereavement support
- Medication management
- Equipment and supplies
- Expert advice
- Short-term respite care
- Patient nutrition
- Assistance with advance directives
We also offer tools and resources to help caregivers balance caregiving responsibilities with personal and professional responsibilities. Give us a call to learn more about caregiver support.