There are many reasons why an elderly parent or relative may live with a family member rather than moving into a nursing home or an assisted-living facility. Many families make this choice to keep the loved one in a comfortable and familiar environment, and to avoid the difficult choice of moving them to a nursing home.
Yet other families may have limited financial ability to afford a nursing home or assisted care facility. Regardless of the reasons, having an additional person to care for in the home, particularly if there is dementia, Alzheimer’s, or significant health issues present, can be very challenging for the family.
At Capital Care Nurses, we recognize the challenges this type of 24-hour care can create for a family. Many family caregivers in these situations begin to develop signs of burnout because they are constantly on call and trying to balance their roles in their own family with that of caring for an aging parent.
To help prevent caregiver burnout, we offer a complete range of customized home care assistance. Our trained nursing assistants or licensed nurses can work with your loved one in your home on a schedule that allows you time for yourself. Knowing your parent is with a capable, caring and compassionate professional allows you time off to relax, rejuvenate and focus your needs to help maintain a balance in your life.
Signs of Caregiver Burnout
There are several signs of caregiver burnout. By being proactive in seeking home care assistance early and before these changes impact your life, you can remain positive and supportive, and avoid the ongoing stress of caregiving on your own.
The key signs to watch for include:
* Withdrawal from activities that were previously fun and part of your life
* Isolation and feelings of loneliness or being cut off from friends and family
* Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
* Chronic health issues
* Headaches and reoccurring pains and aches
* Changes in sleep and appetite
* Thoughts of self-harm or harm to others, particularly the family member being cared for
* Difficulty with focus, concentration and memory
* Addictions including alcohol, drugs, food or gambling
* Irritability with the ones you love
Often caregivers are only focused on the person they are caring for and take very little care of themselves or other family members. This can lead to strains in relationships in the family, which in turn adds to the stress and creates another dimension to the problem.
Treatment of Burnout
With our nursing staff, companions and caregivers in place, you are able to restore that sense of balance in your life. Our home care assistance will provide a professional in your home to care for your loved one to the specifications you require.
This not only provides your loved one with the support they need, but it gives you time to recharge and rejuvenate both mentally as well as physically. This is essential for your health and to help you continue being a caregiver for your loved one. You can also follow them on Twitter for more updates.