There are over 34 million Americans providing 24/7 unpaid care for a loved one 50 years or older, according to the National Center on Caregiving. Caring for an aging loved one can be taxing mentally and physically on both parties. One survey determined that on average caregivers spend six days per month feeding, dressing, grooming, walking, bathing and toileting. As well as thirteen days a month focused on shopping, food preparation, housekeeping, laundry, transportation and giving out medication. All of these activities of daily living (ADLs) can bring about stress, resentment, and frustration between loved ones. These pressures can leave you feeling overwhelmed, burned out and suffering physically. What can you do to help mitigate the stress?
- Seek out a support group that can assist with feeling less isolated or judged; reducing depression and anxiety; and improve your understanding of care.
- Create a support group of family and friends.
- Hire a caregiver that can help you get back some of those days in your month.
At Homewatch CareGivers we can provide much needed respite care so you can:
- take care of that to-do list
- go for a walk
- or even just take a nap.
Hiring a caregiver with Homewatch CareGivers will not only help lower your stress but will enrich the life of your loved one with a personalized, matched caregiver.
To read more about ways to manage stress as a caregiver follow link here https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-statistics-demographics
