We’ve been focusing a lot on being a family caregiver, and the things that you can do to make this job a bit easier on yourself. Today, we are going to continue with this theme and look at a few of the signs that your role as a family caregiver is becoming too much for you to handle. Remember that these are not definite signs that you are not able to continue in your position as a caregiver or supporter for your elderly family member, but they should be looked at seriously so you can take an honest appraisal of yourself and decide whether or not you are still able to provide the high quality care and assistance that you mom or dad needs and deserves.
Some of the signs are very easy to spot. When you are feeling stressed or depressed, this can be an easy trigger. Another sure sign that being a caregiver is getting to be overwhelming is when you feel like you have no time for yourself or a life away from the parent that you are caring for. You might also find yourself being more irritable than normal, moodier, or unable to sleep at night. These are all sure signs that stress is catching up to you.
Other signs might not be quite as obvious as these. For example, some people find themselves getting sick more easily or find that they have weakened immune systems. Others will find that they are beginning to resent the person that they are helping out. Sure, you still love them very much, but a feeling of resentment starts bubbling up. These are also major signs of the fact that caregiving is overwhelming. When these things start to happen, you need to take steps to correct them. And you don’t need to do it just for the sake of the person that you are supposed to be helping, but for your own health and that of your family’s, too.
When the burden of being a caregiver has become too much, it’s not necessarily a sign that you need to call up your local in-home care service and have a professional step in on a fulltime basis, although this is a possible solution for you. Sometimes, all you need is a few days away so that you can rest and regroup. In these instances, respite care is all you need. In other instances, a fulltime caregiver is the right choice. If you are unsure of where you fall in this spectrum, speak to someone today. Most reputable care services offer free consultations, so take advantage of this and figure out what kind of help is best for you and your family. In fact, hiring a respite caregiver through a service is often a good and cautious way to go as it eases your loved one into senior care and helps you to make a more informed decision on whether a caregiver is going to be the best move to help everyone involved.
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