Most of us, at some point in our lives, will become a caregiver in some way. It could be helping an elderly parent, someone with a chronic illness or a disabled family member. In fact, family caregivers now encompass more than one in five Americans.
Many family caregivers don’t think of themselves in that way. They simply believe they are doing the right thing by being there for their loved one.
Caregiving can include many responsibilities, from grocery shopping, light housekeeping and laundry to transportation and medication management. Separately, these things might not seem demanding or daunting but trying to do everything for a loved one – on top of taking care of your own family – can be overwhelming. If you are feeling stressed, isolated or exhausted, take action to get caregiver support today.
- We know that each caregiving situation is unique. But we have also seen that many of the biggest challenges family caregivers face are similar. Being open and aware of these challenges may help you recognize the signs before you experience burnout.
- Respite care, or temporary relief from your caregiving tasks, is critical. As the demand for a loved one’s care increases, oftentimes family caregivers feel inundated with responsibilities, and sometimes they feel guilty for needing some time to themselves. A family caregiver can experience burnout from his or her duties, so taking time off must be a priority. Here is why respite care is essential for family caregivers.
- If you or the family caregiver in your life is dealing with compassion fatigue or caregiver burnout, here’s how to tell the difference between the two, along with advice on how caregiver support can help reduce these feelings.
- Taking care of someone you love is rewarding, but it does come with its own challenges. Read these six things you must ask yourself before becoming your parent’s caregiver.
FirstLight is here for you by giving you the caregiver support you need to provide the best care for your loved one. We’ll work with you to create a caregiving partnership that’s built on trust, communication and a special understanding of your family’s needs. Find a local office near you to request a free home visit and to learn more about our in-home care services to support you and your loved one. Our caregivers can be that extra helping hand for times when you cannot be there.
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