Family Caregiver Challenges: How In-Home Care Helps
In the US, more than 40 million people are actively caring for aging adults. Of those, about 90% are caring for aging members of their own families. The majority, 88%, according to a Pew Research study, find the care rewarding and not stressful. But that doesn't mean family caregivers don't need a little help.
These family members often provide care willingly, but the challenges they face could strain their sanity and pull them away from their own goals. Challenges include financial strain, emotional stress, isolation, and feelings of guilt. But it doesn't have to be this way.
At Visiting Angels Prescott, Arizona, we understand the joy and challenges that come with caring for senior loved ones, which is why we offer respite services, companion care, and more to help alleviate the strain for family caregivers.
Our caregivers play an essential role in the lives of their clients and families – building relationships, providing peace of mind, and joyful companionship. We want to share how you'll directly influence these families if you're considering joining the Visiting Angels Prescott team.
Financial Strain
Most family caregivers are unpaid. Their regular attention to their elderly loved ones sometimes keeps them from a paid job or is stacked on a full-time job. This brings a burden on their finances or can affect job performance. The longer they provide care for a loved one, the higher financial strain they may end up with.
Your presence, as a Visiting Angels Prescott caregiver, lets these family caregivers focus on their jobs or take on new paid roles without leaving their loved ones alone. Although bringing our team on board for in-person care has a cost, it's often worth the flexibility it provides family caregivers in their careers.
Emotional Stress
Caring for chronic conditions like Alzheimer's or other memory disorders could cause an emotional burden on the family caregiver. Family caregivers may experience tremendous guilt and believe they aren't providing the best care for their loved ones. They also may experience sadness from witnessing their loved ones decline. Although the thought of seeking professional help can seem like "giving up" on their loved ones it’s one of the kindest things they can do for themselves and their loved ones.
Your role as a Visiting Angels Prescott caregiver is to alleviate the strain of constant caregiving, provide a change of scenery for the clients, and give the family caregivers a rest! As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Risk of social isolation
It is natural for caregiving duties to consume a lot of time. This makes it challenging for family caregivers to have their own lives– hanging out with friends, watching a movie, or working out at a gym. They may feel an obligation to do it all themselves. Family caregivers may tread apart from the social connections, which could lead to isolation or depression.
With care from the Visiting Angels Prescott care team, these family caregivers can take time for themselves. Our companion care services can fill the gap in care, allowing family caregivers the opportunity to spend time with friends or family without worrying about their loved ones.
Help Us Care for Clients and Their Families
Our clients' families depend on our caregivers to help them through the challenges of caring for a senior loved one. We are in search of compassionate, dependable caregivers to lend their support as professional in-home caregivers. If you're ready to start your journey as a senior care provider, visit our site and apply!