One of the most physically and emotionally challenging responsibilities an adult child can assume is caring for an elderly parent. According to the UDS Foundation, 17% of adult children care for their parents due to illness or disability. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of caregiver stress that comes with the ambitious yet crucial role of caregiving.
As difficult as it can be, caregiving certainly has its rewards. Supporting a parent when they need you most is a wonderful thing, and most children want to be there for their parents.
Best intentions aside, there are many challenges for adult children who are also caregivers. In order to face and move past them, it is necessary to understand the obstacles and the solutions.
Understanding the source of caregiver stress
The illnesses and disabilities that require caring for an aging parent are numerous. For instance, a parent may need short-term support following a fall or operation. Or if they are in the late stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s, the care needed could be long-term or permanent.
When caring for a senior, common responsibilities include everything from bathing, dressing, and eating, to cooking and home maintenance. But regardless of the role the adult child plays, whether physical or financial, caregiver stress is very real.
What are the signs of caregiver stress?
Caregiving is work, sacrifice, and a commitment of time. It can also be an emotional rollercoaster when you are caring for a loved one. Caregivers are often swept up in a complex whirlwind of feelings.
Many days, you may feel fulfilled. Some days, you may feel sad or angry, and others, exhausted, frustrated, and stressed. These emotions are quite normal but hard to endure, and they can take a heavy toll on your mental and physical health.
Although multiple factors can trigger stress for a caregiver, these are the most common:
- Having to live with the parent requiring care
- Difficulty coping with and solving problems
- Financial hardship
- Social isolation
- Being consumed or overloaded
The first step in dealing with caregiver stress is knowing when there is a problem. Caregiver stress symptoms can come in many different forms, so pay attention to:
- Fatigue
- Depression and anxiety
- Significant weight gain or loss
- Waning enthusiasm for hobbies and activities
- Irritability
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Aches, pains, and frequent illness
No matter how many of these signs a caregiver may display, the effect remains the same. It has a negative impact on their mental and physical health. Thankfully, caregivers do not have to live with these problems; there are solutions.
How to ease the burden of caregiver stress
Most importantly, as a caregiver, you must never forget that you are making a difference in your parent’s life. You may not be able to provide for every one of their needs. Even so, you are helping them immensely with what you are able to do.
Do your best not to get overwhelmed when caring for a senior. While this is certainly easier said than done, it is possible. Take things one step at a time—no one can do everything at once.
When someone offers you help, take it! You are not superhuman. You are doing your best to provide for your parent. If someone is kind enough to offer assistance, they truly want to help, so let them.
It is vitally important that you practice self-care. You will not be able to care for anyone if you do not take care of yourself in the process. This means you should take breaks and exercise when you can, eat balanced meals, and keep up with doctor visits.
Do what you can to support good mental health and maintain a positive outlook on life. Stay in touch with friends and family. They are a wonderful support system for you. There are also plenty of resources out there to support caregivers. You can participate in caregiving courses or join an online or in-person support group for caregivers.
One Solution to Many Problems
Everyone wants to be able to choose where they live and the kind of care they receive now and in the future. Senior living communities are an option that promises quality of lifestyle and peace of mind today and tomorrow. These communities are not one-size-fits-all, and you and your parent can choose a community that offers everything they need. This means giving them easier access to resources that support them physically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially.
Today’s senior living communities, like The Cabana at Jensen Dunes, in Jensen Beach, FL, have a lifestyle complete with services and amenities that appeal to seniors. Not only do these communities offer a higher level of care for those who need it, but they have a great deal to offer active adults. What makes them so appealing is maintenance-free living with an enriching lifestyle. Residents shape future friendships, improve their quality of life, and gain peace of mind for the future. These communities are thoughtfully designed to enhance an already beautiful and meaningful life.
Are you wondering how to start a conversation about the move to a senior living community? Try suggesting a visit with friends or relatives who have already made the move. If you do not know anyone in the senior living community you are interested in, attend one of their events. Events allow you to experience the lifestyle and chat with current residents. Visiting a community firsthand and seeing the lifestyle and the support available will help apprehensions melt away.
It All Comes Down to This
If you are a caregiver, you should be immensely proud of what you do. Your job is difficult, and that is part of what makes it such a gift. However, caregiver stress and the physical demands you face are real and potentially harmful. The key is knowing when you need help and asking for it. Communities like The Cabana at Jensen Dunes allow you to change your role from caregiver back to beloved daughter or son. Call 772-758-1003 to schedule a private visit or to learn more.