The Challenges of Being a Family Caregiver

Helping Hand Nursing Services

Caregiving can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own challenges. Things get worse if the caregiver has other important responsibilities, like a job, kids to care for, a busy social life, etc. 

Many people will become an aging loved one’s primary caregiver if they haven’t already. By recognizing the challenges of caregiving, you may be able to prepare yourself in advance & reduce the difficulties which lie ahead. 

Some common challenges family caregivers experience are:

• Stress – Family caregivers are likely to experience a high level of emotional & mental stress, especially if they are caring for seniors with chronic conditions, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. The physical demands of cargiving duties like lifting and helping with mobility can also take a toll on their health and cause stress. 
• Financial Strain – The more hours caregivers devote to caring for a senior family member, the bigger the impact on their finances. That’s because family caregivers that are employed have to miss an average of 8-10 days of work due to their caregiving responsibilities. 
• Sleep Deprivation – Lack of sleep is a common problem among family caregivers as they are always struggling to match their loved one’s sleep-wake cycle. Even when they are awake, they are busy taking care of their loved one’s needs and this affects the quality of their sleep.  
• Social Isolation – As caregiving duties take up most of the family caregivers’ time, they find it almost impossible to maintain social connections like before. No matter how much they like the idea of going for an outing with friends or for casual get-togethers, their caregiving duties keep them from doing do. 

Not asking for help despite feeling overwhelmed with the job of caring for a senior family member is not a healthy decision for you. So, give yourself a break by hiring our trained, experienced, and compassionate caregivers to take care of your loved one. To learn more about our home care services in Lakeland, Florida, call @ (863) 616-1888!