Caring for Our Elders: Emotional Effects of Caring for an Elderly Parent
Let’s talk about you.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re one of the millions of amazing individuals taking care of elderly loved ones who are also feeling the emotional effects of caring for an elderly parent.
You’ve been giving up your life to care for elderly parent(s) or possibly feeling trapped caring for elderly parent(s).
Whether it’s a parent, grandparent, or another cherished family member, your role is invaluable.
But I know it’s not always easy. I have met with 100s of carers in my career who have shared their fears, frustrations, and the toll it takes on them emotionally, physically and financially.
That’s why we’re here to offer some guidance for you.
The Big Picture: Caregiving in America
Let’s start with some numbers. Because it’s clear you’re not alone.
Did you know that approximately 39.8 million caregivers provide care to adults in the USA?
That’s 16.6% of Americans!
It’s a huge responsibility, and it’s no surprise you’re overwhelmed.
But it might be comforting to know, as there are millions experiencing similar issues, you are not alone.
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Million Caregivers in the United States.
Emotional effects of caring for an elderly parent – Signs of Burnout
You’re probably like many of these million carers ignoring your own health and well-being. You may be feeling trapped caring for elderly parents.
And I get it, it’s for a good reason, you just want to keep going for fear if you stop and think about yourself, you might break down.
But, I want to talk about something important: caregiver burnout.
It’s a real thing.
When you’re giving so much of yourself to others, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself.
So I wanted to briefly talk about some of the most common signs of burnout to watch out for:
- Feeling exhausted all the time: If you’re constantly tired, both physically and emotionally, it could be a sign that you’re burning out.
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy: When caregiving takes over your life, it’s easy to forget about your own hobbies and interests.
- Becoming irritable or impatient: Caregiving can be stressful, and it’s normal to feel frustrated sometimes. But if you find yourself snapping at your loved one or others more than usual, it might be a sign that you’re reaching your limit.
- Neglecting your own health: Are you putting off doctor’s appointments or neglecting your own health needs? It’s important to take care of yourself too, folks!
Many of these signs point to mental health issues, like depression. So you should know that feeling them is serious.
The Importance of Self-Care
Now let’s talk about self-care.
It’s not selfish to take care of yourself!
In fact, it’s essential if you want to be the best caregiver you can be.
So, here are a few self-care tips to help you recharge and avoid burnout:
- Take breaks: It’s okay to take a break every now and then. Whether it’s a short walk around the block or a weekend getaway, giving yourself some time to recharge is crucial.
- Ask for help: You don’t have to do it all alone! Reach out to friends, family members, or support groups for help and support. You can chat with other carers from around the world by linking to an organization like Embracing Care.
- Prioritize your health: Remember to take care of your own health needs too. Eat well, exercise regularly, and don’t forget to schedule those doctor’s appointments!
You will struggle with this. And that’s okay.
Start with one thing you think you can do and build from there.
The Support You’re Looking For…
Now, at enkel.life we’re looking at ways to find support for your aging loved one.
So I would be remiss if I didn’t share with you where to start in finding this support to improve their life.
The most common areas in which the elderly need support usually start with these two areas:
The Most Common Health IssuesÂ
Learn about the most common issues faced by older adults and what you can do about them.Â
Many of these health issues require their doctors to manage from a clinical perspective, however, there are many ways that you can help through implementing support aids and fancy tech gadgets that make managing these health issues much easier.Â
…
How to Make a Home Safe
Learn about the best ways to make changes to their home to improve safety, well-being, and independence. This post is a long one, so if you’re more concerned with just the home, check out: Home Safety for Elderly – Till Death Do Us Part
This post goes into detail about how an OT assesses a home to improve safety and how you as the carer can implement their recommendations and strategies.
…Â
Final Thoughts
I just wanted to finish and let you know: caregiving isn’t easy.
But remember, you’re making a real difference in the lives of your loved ones.
So take a deep breath, give yourself a pat on the back, and remember that you’re not alone.
There are many out there who you can chat to and as always we’re here to support you with useful information and guidance.
I feel I should leave you with a quote for encouragement:
Less Brown
American politician and
motivational speaker
“Regardless of what challenge you are facing right now, know that it has not come to stay. It has come to pass. During these times, do what you can with what you have, and ask for help if needed. Most importantly, never surrender. Put things in perspective. Take care of yourself. Find ways to replenish your energy, strengthen your faith, and fortify yourself from the inside out.”
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