Caring for an elderly loved one with physical limitations is difficult enough, but when family caregivers must manage an aging relative with dementia, it can cause all kinds of stress. The emotional strain of taking care of an elderly person with dementia can lead to caregiver burnout, a condition that can have a negative effect on the family member’s physical and mental health.
Unique Challenges with Seniors with Dementia
When an elderly person has mild to moderate dementia, a family caregiver must step in and help them take care of themselves and their home. Those with dementia can be unintentionally frustrating, making normal activities like bathing, dressing, and meals extremely challenging. Seniors often fight with family members about basic daily living tasks like meals or getting dressed. They get confused and frightened easily when their routine changes.
Other challenges that family caregivers face when working with seniors with dementia include arguing and being stubborn for no reason. Because of the near-constant need for company and care, seniors with dementia can’t be left alone for long, if at all. When an elderly person has dementia, they are in danger of wandering away from the home. All this and more make it hard for family caregivers to focus on anything but caregiving.
Signs of Caregiver Burnout
Many family caregivers don’t know the symptoms of chronic stress and simply ignore the warning signs they are experiencing. The most common symptoms of burnout include mood swings, insomnia, weight loss or gain and lack of focus. Other symptoms include lethargy, high blood pressure, chronic headaches and stomach aches.
As the stress builds up, it’s necessary for the family caregiver to take restful breaks from their duties. Because of the endless responsibilities, it is often difficult for the family member to get any kind of relief. Social isolation is common for family caregivers because their elderly relative’s needs are constant, leaving little time for anything else.
Family Caregivers Need Regular Breaks
When caregivers attempt to shoulder all the duties themselves, they are prime candidates for burnout. The best way for them to avoid caregiver burnout is to get help, whether from family members or a home care agency. Restorative breaks can provide some relief from the emotionally draining caregiving tasks and give family members a chance to recharge. It’s important that they develop some coping strategies to deal with the stress.
A home care assistant may be exactly what the family caregiver needs to balance out their duties with attending to their own life. Many home care agencies provide assistants that have experience with elderly dementia patients, so they are trained to handle all the unique needs. Family caregivers can have peace of mind knowing that their loved one is in good hands and will be safe while they take their much- needed breaks.
To avoid caregiver burnout, family caregivers should consider hiring a home care assistant to provide regularly scheduled care for their aging loved one with dementia. The home care assistant will not only be helping the elderly adult but the family caregiver, too.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elderly Care in San Jose, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
