The True Impact of Elderly Care Services on Family Caregivers in Auburn, NH

Everyday, a vast number of Americans act as unpaid caregivers to loved ones. It is estimated that, as of 2015, that number exceeded 34 million – and it simply keeps growing.

The truth is, most people do not realize the impact of having an unpaid caregiver in the family – unless, of course, you are a caregiver yourself. It is only once you become a primary care provider for a loved one that you understand just how emotionally, physically, and mentally draining this role can be. 

At Visiting Angels Auburn, we know all too well about the effects of being an unpaid caregiver for a beloved family member. Without a doubt, our elderly care services can help relieve some of the pressure and workload on primary care givers.

The Impacts of Elderly Care Services in Auburn

Physical Health Impacts

Certainly, it can be physically demanding to provide care for a spouse, parent, or grandparent. Usually, unpaid caregivers overexert themselves, placing their loved one’s needs above their own. Often, they struggle to find time for themselves, neglecting their own health and well-being. Along with less sleep, exercise, and poor nutritional habits, there is a higher risk of chronic health conditions, disability, and injury for unpaid caregivers.

Fast facts:

• Most primary caregivers say they often cannot find time to go to doctor appointments.
• Among family caregivers, rates of mortality, chronic conditions, and injuries are significantly higher.
• Unpaid care providers report lack of exercise, poor eating habits, and high rates of insomnia.

Mental Health Impacts

Aside from the physical strain, unpaid caregivers also experience serious mental conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and stress. As they are increasingly common among family care providers, these conditions are now called “caregiver burnout” by doctors and psychologists. Several health problems are exacerbated by depression and stress, leading to higher rates of self-neglect. At the same time, poor exercise, eating, and sleeping habits normally increase the chance of depression and stress – thus turning the situation into a vicious cycle.

Fast facts:

• Among family care providers, extreme stress is associated with symptoms of premature aging.
• Unpaid caregivers, according to surveys, report high levels of depression.
• Caregivers report abnormally high rates of stress, according to various surveys.

Professional Impacts

It takes a lot of energy and time to support a family member that requires assistance. In fact, it’s almost impossible to have a job while caring for a loved one. Sick days, absenteeism, and lateness are just a few of the reasons many unpaid caregivers cannot maintain a career. Meanwhile, companies lose a vast amount of money every year as staff members struggle to balance workplace and home care responsibilities.

Fast facts:

• Numerous family care providers claim they had to quit or were fired due to their caregiving duties.
• Many unpaid family caregivers – about two-thirds – are required to adjust their work life considerably.
• As many as 6 in 10 care providers struggle to maintain a job while assisting a loved one as an unpaid caregiver.

Family Impacts

In most cases, there is only one family member providing elderly care services to a loved one. This often leads to conflicts with other family members who are not assisting. Not only are primary care providers struggling with their career, but they are also struggling with their own family life. Less time with a spouse and children can be very stressful and upsetting.

Fast facts:

• Typically, unpaid home care providers receive less or no support from other family members.
• Often, caregivers report a strained relationship with the care recipient, due to their caregiving role.
• There is normally much difficulty for the caregiver to find time for their partners and children.

How In-Home Care Services Can Help

At Visiting Angels Auburn, our elderly care services can provide invaluable assistance for both the care recipient and the primary caregiver. Be it full-time or part-time, professional, skilled, in-home support can make caring for a loved one more manageable. Elderly care services can assist with difficult caregiving tasks and reduce emotional, mental, and physical strain on unpaid family caregivers.

Contact Visiting Angels Auburn today if you need more information on our elderly care services. Need help caring for a spouse, parent, or grandparent? Our elderly care services offer an affordable way to get the in-home support you need.