By Princella Seymour, Author & Founder of Complete Elder Solutions
Approximately one in five adults in the U.S., or 53 million people, provide unpaid care to a family member. It is a profoundly meaningful act of love, but it is also incredibly demanding, and for many high-performing individuals, entrepreneurs, and parents, it is an additional, overwhelming burden on top of their already full lives.
Caregiving can be exhausting and draining, and if you’re feeling tired and stretched thin, take a moment to look after your mental and physical health, and know that you’re not alone. Self-care is not selfish; in fact, it’s a necessity if you’re going to be able to care for someone else. Seeking support is not a failure; it’s a self-care strategy that can change your caregiving experience for the positive.
Here are five signs that you, as a caregiver, might need some extra help in caring for your aging parents. Being able to recognize these signs early on will not only help you, but also ensure that you provide your loved ones with the best care possible. While being a caregiver can be a fulfilling experience, it is also a challenging one, and being able to recognize signs that you might be overextending yourself will prove to be invaluable. If you recognize some of these signs, you might want to consider seeking some extra help, and being able to recognize them early on will ensure that you avoid burnout, thereby providing you and your loved ones with the best care possible.
1. Physical Toll
In order to provide effective and compassionate care for your loved one, your health is important too. Are you fighting off severe exhaustion, insomnia, headaches, and diseases? The stress and lack of sleep are definitely taking a toll on your health, but you deserve some time off and help from others to regain your strength.
2. Burnout
Being a caregiver is a role that can lead to burnout. It is a role that is physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing. It is important to regularly assess your level of stress, anxiety, and irritability. It is also important to be honest with yourself about your feelings of helplessness, which can lead to feelings of detachment and impatience with the patient.
3. Neglecting Work or Personal Responsibilities
You can’t do everything yourself. Your elderly loved one is probably in need of your attention almost all the time. They might need your help with physical things, moving around, or emotional support if they’re scared, sad, or worried. They might totally depend on you. But if you start to experience difficulties in managing your own responsibilities, such as being a parent to your kids or being effective at your work, it is already a clear sign that you can’t do it alone. It is even possible to withdraw from your own social circles, which can negatively affect your well-being. It is important to develop your own team, your own village, to support each other and ensure the well-being of your loved ones.
4. Money Strain
According to the National Council on Aging, more than 10 percent of the elderly population is living below the poverty line, with many more struggling to make ends meet. As the caregiver, you not only provide time but also your hard-earned money to support the elderly. In addition, caregiving for the elderly means less time for you to earn your income.
5. Care needs getting tougher than you can handle on your own
If your loved one’s physical or mental condition has deteriorated to the point where you can no longer physically care for them, can’t leave them alone, or can’t safely lift, move, or support their mobility, then you’re not alone. Learning to recognize the signs early can help prevent burnout and ensure that your parents get the care they need. And don’t forget to get help for yourself, because, remember, you can and should ask for help when you need it.
Author:
Princella Seymour is the CEO and Founder of Complete Elder Solutions. With thirty years of experience, she is a leading expert in elder care, advocating for love, family, and dignity. A former Vice President of the National Association of Social Workers and part of the Aging Life Care Association, she is passionate about transforming elder care. Her book, Everything You Need to Know About Me, draws from her experiences helping families navigate the challenges of honoring their loved ones’ wishes. Through her work, Princella and her team assist thousands, ensuring families never face aging alone and every individual is treated with dignity.
