5 Major Challenges Family Caregivers Experience

It is not easy to keep in mind every aspect of caregiving because there is always a room for unexpected challenges. As a family caregiver, you must learn about caregiving and create a list of approaches you can take to overcome difficult situations. Boynton Beach elderly care professionals discuss some of the unexpected challenges you may face as a family caregiver along with tips to manage them.

1. Lack of Training and Knowledge

Most family caregivers have to take on the responsibility when a senior loved one falls ill unexpectedly while they have no training in this area. Typically, they learn as they go. Caregivers don’t have to afraid of their role, but they should dedicate some of their time to research their role and learn about their daily responsibilities. Also, find out how to care for seniors with a serious disease like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and osteoporosis. Gaining as much knowledge as possible can ease your caregiving role prepare you for many unexpected challenges.

2. Financial Demands

Getting financial help from friends and family members may not be an option, especially when the cost of your loved one’s care needs continue to increase. You may have decided to help out with a few bills and other necessities. If your loved one is not financially strong enough to support him or herself to pick up most of the costs, find effective ways to decrease the expenses without compromising his or her wellbeing and safety. Also, look for resources your loved one may be eligible for, like utility and medical bill assistance, discounted prescriptions, and free lunch and dinner services.

3. Lack of Appreciation

In the beginning, it may not be a big deal, but getting support and appreciation can have a great on a caregiver’s emotional and mental health. You will sacrifice much of your personal time, but there will be situations when your sacrifices will go unnoticed, even by the loved one you care for. Consequently, you may feel depressed, angry, undervalued, and isolated. However, you must learn to praise yourself from time to time instead of waiting for others to recognize your affection and hard work.

4. Physical Health Issues

Oftentimes, family caregivers neglect the negative side of caregiving, which results from lack of self-care. Evaluate your limits and stick to them. For instance, if you cannot lift huge objects, avoid moving furniture around the home and other equipment without any help. If you feel physically uncomfortable with anything, like incontinence issues of your loved one, consider hiring in-home care services so you can get assistance with these duties. It is normal to ask for additional help and put limits on what you can or will not do as a family caregiver.

5. Social Isolation

Maintaining social relationships is a human need, but as time passes this can get difficult. At times, you won't have enough time to catch up with friends, continue working, care for your loved one, and manage other personal responsibilities. In some cases, your friends may even back off assuming that you are too busy to attend social gatherings. Make sure to take some time out for socialization despite your current schedule. Ask your family members to help for a few hours while you can go out and about. In such cases, you can also opt for professional respite care.Boynton Beach home care professionals suggest family caregivers take frequent breaks from their caregiving duties to maintain their physical, mental, and emotional health, spend some personal time, and prevent social isolation.