It’s not easy to anticipate every aspect of caregiving, and unexpected challenges can occur. You should learn as much about caregiving as possible and develop a list of ways to combat anything that comes your way. Here are some of the unexpected challenges you might face as a family caregiver and tips for handling those issues.
1. No Training & Knowledge
Most family caregivers take on the role unexpectedly and have no training in this area. They typically learn as they go. Don’t be afraid to accept the role of family caregiver. Instead, dedicate some of your time to researching the role and learning as much as you can about performing daily caregiving duties. You should also conduct research on how to care for seniors living with age-related diseases such as osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s. Researching and gaining knowledge can simplify your caregiver role and prepare you for those unexpected challenges.
Caring for senior loved ones 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 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.
2. Financial Demands
It may be difficult to get financial help from family and friends, especially as the cost of your loved one’s care needs continue to increase. While you might have anticipated helping out with a few bills, you could find yourself paying for more than you bargained for. If your loved one is unable to financially support him or herself and you have to pick up most of the costs, look for ways to decrease those costs without compromising his or her health and safety. You can also look for resources your loved one may be eligible for, such as discounted prescriptions, free lunch and dinner services, and utility and medical bill assistance.
3. Lack of Appreciation
It may not seem like a big deal, but receiving support and appreciation can have a huge impact on a family caregiver’s mental and emotional health. Although you sacrifice a lot of your personal time, there will be instances when your sacrifices go unnoticed. As a result, you might feel angry, depressed, regretful, and undervalued. However, you need to praise yourself from time to time instead of waiting on someone else to acknowledge your hard work.
4. Physical Health Issues
Family caregivers normally don’t think about the dangerous side of caregiving, such as lack of self-care. Know your limits and stick to them. For example, if you’re unable to lift large objects, refrain from moving furniture around the home or carrying packages and health equipment without any assistance. If something makes you physically uncomfortable, such as incontinence issues, consider hiring an in-home caregiver to help out with these duties. It’s okay to ask for additional help and put limits on what you will and won’t do as a family caregiver.
Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Roseville at-home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
5. Social Isolation
You may vow to maintain social relationships, but as time goes by, this could become difficult to do. Sometimes you won’t have enough time to visit with friends, take care of your loved one, continue working, and handle your personal commitments. In some instances, your friends may back away because they assume you’re too busy to attend social gatherings. Make time for socialization regardless of your current schedule. Ask your siblings to help out while you go to dinner with your spouse or see a movie with friends. You can also use respite care to prevent social isolation.
Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Roseville, CA, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. To learn about our premier in-home care options, give us a call at (916) 226-3737 today.