If your loved one requires one-on-one supervision, oversight, or help on a daily basis, you know how challenging and time-consuming providing that care can be. Don’t feel guilty about it. We at OptimumCare Home Care know that it can be very challenging to care for a loved one diagnosed with a severe mobility issue, cognitive impairment such as that caused by dementia, as well as the needs of those diagnosed with neurodegenerative conditions like multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and Parkinson’s disease. Sometimes, it’s hard to be everywhere at once.
Not only that, but constant caregiving without a break, rather than showing your dedication and commitment, can actually be doing more harm than good because of burnout, brain drain, or whatever else you want to call it. There is no easy way to say that caregiving can be one of the most stressful and aggravating things you may ever need to do, but again, it’s important that those providing for long-term care of loved ones understand that these feelings and emotions are perfectly natural.
In order to confront and overcome negativity, strain, and frustration, it’s important to step back and take a break once in a while. Doing so ensures that you are rested and well, and mentally and emotionally recharged. Caregivers, no matter how much they love or are dedicated to the person they’re supporting, can feel the physical, emotional, and mental strain of constant caregiving, no matter how nice or patient Mom or Dad can be.
Home health care agencies and providers like OptimumCare Home Care understand the need of long-term caregivers and are here to provide respite care for you as well as other family members. Stepping back and taking a break is something that needs to be done to ensure quality continuity of care, attention, and focus.
When a caregiver is burned out, tired, or stressed, accidents can happen. Injuries are common among adult caregivers of aging parents due to lack of proper training in transferring from chair to bed, from wheelchair to bathtub, and vice versa. The number of accidents that occur in bathrooms and kitchens to both caregivers and care recipients is alarming, and with more seniors opting to age in place, the ratio of such accidents in the home are likely to continue.
If you have been taking care of a loved one for a while or anticipate doing so in the near future, be sure to schedule regular breaks for yourself and your family. Doing so will ensure optimal quality of care not only for your loved one, but for yourself as well.
