Top Challenges for Family Caregivers

Most family caregivers step into their roles knowing things won’t always be easy. Yet you might have underestimated just how difficult it is to take care of an aging loved one. If you were to ask several different caregivers what the most difficult part of being a caregiver is, you’d likely get multiple answers. For the most part, it all comes down to feeling overwhelmed, and these are just a few of the challenges caregivers will say are the hardest to manage each day.

Trying to Manage Your Time

Taking on another person’s care drastically cuts into your available free time. If you’re working or caring for other family members, you may also lack the time you need to get everything done. Using time management skills can help. For instance, sticking to a daily routine can minimize stress. You might also need to find ways to carve out extra time, such as by having someone look after your loved one while you handle your other responsibilities.Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider utilizing the services of a respite care home. Edmonton, AB, families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Butterfly Dreams Respite Care. Our professional caregivers can assist your loved one while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation.

Being Someone’s Sole Social Support

Being a caregiver gives you many opportunities to create a closer bond with your loved one, and this is a major benefit of taking on your role. However, you might also find yourself beginning to feel overburdened by trying to meet all of your loved one’s emotional and social needs. Everyone should have several people in their social circles they can rely on for entertainment and support. Taking your loved one to a respite care facility gives him or her a few new friends and offers you an emotional break.If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need high-quality Edmonton respite care, Butterfly Dreams Respite Care can help. We are a leading respite care home committed to changing the way seniors age.

Experiencing Guilt about Everything

For caregivers, it often seems like there’s something that isn’t done. You might feel guilty about having to heat up leftovers for your family when you didn’t have time to cook a hot meal. Or you might feel guilty when you need to work on the weekend, which is when you normally look after your loved one. Try to identify a few areas where you feel like you aren’t doing your best and make an effort to let them go. Your loved one will still be perfectly fine if you have to work late as long as someone is looking after him or her. Plus, your parent might even enjoy having his or her favourite meal twice in a row. What matters most is that you’re both healthy and happy.

Feeling Helpless in the Face of Health Changes

Caring for someone with a progressive health condition is emotionally challenging. While you can provide the best care in the world, you know your loved one’s health needs will continue to change. When you feel helpless, try to take action. Planning for your loved one’s future care needs can help you feel more in control of what will happen when he or she needs more care. You can also benefit from reaching out to someone. Talking to other caregivers or visiting a counsellor can help you manage difficult emotions as they arise.If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional respite care, Edmonton Butterfly Dreams Respite Care should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults manage their health and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years. Call us at 780-242-2373 to schedule a free consultation.