Overwhelmed by Home Care? We’ve Got No-Nonsense Answers

Spending your days worried about mom or dad?

Maybe Mom can no longer drive to bingo on Monday evenings and misses her friends. Or perhaps you noticed that Dad doesn’t bathe often enough, and his hygiene is suffering as a result.

Of course, every situation is different, and some home care solutions are better than others, but how do you know which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll share tips on how to manage overwhelm as you decide which route to take when caring for your loved one.

» Download our free guide to home care, "From Crisis to Caregiver."

It’s Normal to Feel Overwhelmed

Two out of every three unpaid caregivers (mainly family) report feeling burnt out, while 32.9% report feelings of anxiety, depression, or other behavioral health problems.

It’s not hard to see how you can become stressed. For instance, if you live across the country, and your mother has surgery next week, how will you make sure she’ll get the right home care upon discharge from the hospital? As you and your parents age, the dynamic flips: suddenly, you’re the one worrying about them.

Whether you’re ensuring they are being looked after properly or managing the costs of their care, a lot gets thrown on your plate, and you don’t have to feel guilty about being frustrated or tired by it.

When caring for a needy loved one, you need to decide:

• How much care he or she needs
• How much help you and your family can provide
• How to pay for care when private pay is the only option

You also have to think about the most cost-effective way to get the quality care you need. You don’t want to pay too much, but you don’t want to skimp either. Above all, you must ensure that your mom or dad can age safely and happily at home.

What to Do When You Feel Overwhelmed

If even reading this article is enough to raise your pulse by a few beats, take a deep breath and review these steps for managing caregiver stress:

• Ask for (and accept) help: Make a list of ways in which others (friends, siblings, or other family) can help you. Then let them, whether it’s taking regular walks with your father, cooking a meal for you, or helping with medical appointments.
• Join a support group: You can find strength and encouragement by joining others who understand what you are dealing with. It’s also a great way to find new ideas when it comes to caring for loved ones.
• Take care of your health: You need to prioritize your health to provide the best care you can. From getting sleep to staying active, make sure to prioritize your well-being.
• Share the burden: While wanting to handle the care yourself may seem admirable, you don’t have to go it alone. By seeking out professional help to share the burden, you will free yourself up and provide better care overall.

We can’t stress it enough: One of the best ways to overcome stress is to share the burden and not try to do everything on your own. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for support.

You Don’t Have to Go it Alone: Top Care Options for Your Senior

There are countless options for sharing the load and ensuring your loved one gets the care she needs.

Here are the three most common:

Senior Daycare

Senior daycare centers provide daytime supervision, social activities, and care for older adults while their family caregivers are unavailable. They operate during business hours and offer structured programming, from exercise classes to socialization and group activities. Daycare may be a good option for seniors who are still relatively independent but shouldn't be left alone all day and for family members who need to maintain their work schedules and other obligations.

Assisted Living

Assisted living communities provide a residential setting where seniors receive 24/7 support while maintaining a degree of independence. Assisted living facilities typically offer private or semi-private n apartments along with communal dining and social spaces. Staff assists residents with daily activities such as medication management, bathing, dressing, and housekeeping, but seniors can still make their own decisions about their daily routines and activities. Assisted living is a good option for seniors who need consistent support but don't require the intensive medical care of a nursing home.

Age in Place with a Caregiver

There is a way to ensure your senior has full-time supervision and care while remaining at home: Hire a caregiver.

Hiring a caregiver allows people to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home while receiving professional support. Caregivers can assist with personal care, help with medication, run errands, and prepare meals while giving you much-needed breathing room.

Aging in place with a caregiver allows your loved one to maintain his or her existing routines and connection to the neighborhood while freeing you up from the responsibility of being the primary caregiver. However, you need to make sure you find the right caregiver; read on to get our free eBook to help you decide.

Download Our Free Guide: From Crisis to Caregiver

Our eBook, “From Crisis to Caregiver: An Uncomplicated Guide to Home Care,” addresses these issues, plus many others, as you search for trusted, affordable home care.

We simplify the decision process so you can more easily determine what services are needed and how often. Our e-book takes a no-nonsense look at the realities of financing senior care. And it provides straight talk about the pros and cons of the three common care options. We’ve even used our own personal experiences with hiring caregivers as a way to highlight the unexpected pitfalls you’ll want to avoid.

After reading “From Crisis to Caregiver,” you’ll know how to find and hire a caregiver on your own but still have access to services you wouldn’t normally have with a private caregiver, such as backup help and expert advice. Most importantly, you’ll be able to approach the process with confidence and peace of mind.