Find support and compassion in an isolating time.

Caregiving is a stressful and often thankless task. Providing quality care for someone in need demands patience, compassion and strength. It is not an easy 9-to-5 job and it can take a toll on you in ways that may not be obvious. One of the most important things to remember when providing care for a loved one is that you are not alone. Though it may seem lonely at times, others have experienced the same challenges. There are resources available that can help you manage your role of caregiver. If you are caring for a loved one, and find yourself struggling, the first step is to identify these challenges and stressors. Then seek out a workable solution to help create a healthy day-to-day environment.

Time management

Though caregiving can often have downtime, it is always a 24/7 responsibility. You are “on call” no matter the time of day. This makes it difficult, if not impossible, to schedule work, social events, family time and other activities. You don’t have time for yourself. To help manage your time, you may need outside help to relieve you of some responsibility. From hourly care to all-day care, there are resources available to give you back the time needed to care for yourself.

Financial strain

If you find yourself struggling to make ends meet while providing care, you are not alone. According to a Harvard study, 32% of workers who provide informal home care quit their job to keep up with their caregiving responsibilities. When you offer care, you are often sacrificing your financial future. This should be greatly considered when looking for outside help. How much money are you losing by doing the work yourself compared to how much outside care would cost? Professional caregiver services may be the most cost-effective solution.

Feeling of isolation

There is no denying that caregiving is lonely work. You spend much of the day without social interactions or real conversations. You may feel invisible to the rest of the world. You may feel that no one understands what you’re going through on a daily basis. When you find yourself feeling isolated, reach out to friends and family. They may not make the first move to check in on you, so it’s important to keep the line of communication wide open. Simply calling a friend and talking for five minutes can boost your spirit. And chatting online in a video call with friends and family has never been easier. Set up regular check-ins and times to talk.

Being overwhelmed

Many informal caregivers feel the need to do everything themselves. They think: This is my role. This is my sole responsibility. And it’s up to me alone to maintain a level of high-quality care. You do not need to do it all yourself. You are not alone. No one expects you to do everything. And trying to put on a brave face and take on all duties will only end in greater stress. Ask for help. Seek out caregiving resources. Understand that trying to do it all is harmful to your emotional and physical health. When you are overwhelmed with responsibilities, look for friends and family as well as professional help. The best, most effective caregiving is a team effort.

Decreased physical health

Some common physical issues caregivers encounter are sleep deprivation, poor eating habits and neglecting their own health. These quickly snowball into dangerous challenges. Acknowledge that caregiving is strenuous work and give yourself the time needed to take care of yourself. Maintain regular doctors appointments. Take all prescribed medications. Monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and weight. Talk with your healthcare provider about any concerns. And above all else, give yourself permission to live a healthy life.

Finding the right help

Caregiving is about much more than driving a family member to a doctor’s appointment. You often give up your time, your money and your own health to support a loved one. But there are helpful caregiving solutions to eliminate the stress. Talk with a friendly Gloria Dei caregiving expert to learn how to ease the challenges you face and ensure a happier and healthier quality of life for you and your loved one.

Feeling overwhelmed? Find a healthy caregiving solution with Gloria Dei