Managing stress is a daily occurrence for family caregivers who go above and beyond the call of duty to provide care for their loved ones. Knowing how to handle these major stressors reduces the burden for caregivers so they can focus on providing the best possible care.
1. Scheduling Conflicts
Many family caregivers today must try to balance their loved ones’ care with other responsibilities. Whether it’s a last-minute call to work late or a kid’s sports tournament, caregivers often find juggling their schedules is stressful. Setting up a team of professional and family caregivers ensures no one has to miss out on other important parts of their lives.
Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
2. Adjusting to Changing Needs
Caring for an aging or ill loved one usually means facing a progression of health changes over months or years. Adjusting to these changes can be stressful for everyone. Caregivers should reach out to medical professionals and others who have been through similar situations to find ways to handle new caregiving duties.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality at-home care, Montgomery Home Care Assistance can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.
3. Communicating Effectively
Communicating with other family members and caregivers is critical. However, communication tends to break down during times of stress and contribute to even more chaos. Care journals, medication logs, and monthly meetings are all great tools for making sure everyone is on the same page.
4. Managing Role Reversal
Family members sometimes play out old family dynamics as they adjust to their caregiving relationships. For example, a parent may balk at the prospect of an adult child helping him or her bathe. When possible, it’s best to encourage independence for seniors, and professional caregivers can help with tasks that generate family rifts.
5. Not Finding Personal Time
It isn’t selfish to need time for health appointments, support group meetings, or even a relaxing activity. When caregivers discover their lives are all work and no play, they’re more likely to experience burnout. Respite care is ideal for ensuring family caregivers have time to focus on their physical and mental health so they stay in optimum shape for their duties.
Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Montgomery families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation. Home Care Assistance will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (334) 593-3988 to learn more about our customized care plans.