Caregiving duties can be physically demanding. Between helping your senior loved one with housekeeping tasks and performing duties such as lifting him or her from one place to another, you’re bound to be physically exhausted at the end of each day. However, you should also be aware that your role is psychologically taxing, and the stress you face each day could affect your overall wellbeing.
Reasons Caregivers Feel Increased Stress
There are many causes of caregiver stress. For instance, you may feel strapped for time if you’re trying to balance your other responsibilities with caregiving. If your loved one is in poor health, you may worry about his or her future prognosis or whether or not you’ll be able to perform your duties for as long as he or she needs you. Over time, all these worries could eventually add up and take a serious psychological toll that affects everything you do.
Professional caregivers can be a wonderful source of support for family caregivers who are feeling the effects of stress. When researching agencies that provide home care services, Montgomery, AL, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Home Care Assistance.
Warning Signs Stress Is Taking a Toll
Just being aware that caregiving causes psychological stress helps you be alert for signs that it’s affecting your quality of life. Watch for signs, such as feeling anxious or depressed, that signify you’re being worn down by the stress. You may also have physical signs of stress, such as being unable to sleep or losing your appetite. If the stress goes on long enough, you could also experience caregiver burnout. When this happens, you may feel a sense of hopelessness about the future or find it impossible to get joy out of life.
Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing, too. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Montgomery families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Home Care Assistance. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation.
Potential Consequences of Not Finding Ways to Relax
Caregiver burnout is one of the most serious consequences of not getting control over the amount of stress you feel. You may also face other consequences. Caregivers are at greater risk of stress-related ailments such as high blood pressure and diabetes. If you develop these conditions, it may become more difficult to care for your loved one. If you already have these conditions, they can become more challenging to manage. You’re also at greater risk of developing a substance use disorder during times of increased stress. Since all of these consequences stop you from being able to care for your loved one, it’s critical to find ways to combat stress.
Ways Caregivers Can Relieve Tension
Once you understand how serious stress is for caregivers, you can begin the process of finding ways to relax throughout the week. Respite care is one option every caregiver needs. With respite care, you can take as much time as you need to care for your physical and emotional health. You can also find ways to ease stress throughout your day. Try playing some relaxing music during chores you find unpleasant, or take a break from your housekeeping tasks to play a game with your loved one.
If you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed by your caregiving responsibilities, a professional caregiver can provide the support and encouragement you and your loved one need. Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Montgomery Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (334) 593-3988 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.