Caring for an aging parent is an act of deep love and commitment. It is the least we can do to repay them for what they do for us. According to HealthAffairs, the number of family caregivers in the US has witnessed a surge in the last decade. It has increased from 18.2 million to 24.1 million, a rise of 6 million, between 2011 and 2022.
White the numbers indicate a family-centered approach, looking after an aging parent is not easy. Emotional, physical, and mental challenges abound in this role. Financial burden compounds the challenges because people tend to lose work hours or spend on paid help.
The responsibility can eventually lead to caregiver stress. If left unaddressed, it may escalate into burnout, affecting both the caregiver’s well-being and the quality of care provided. Managing this stress is vital to sustaining the caregiving role and maintaining your own health and happiness.
While there are no shortcuts once you step into a caregiving role, some strategies can make the road easier. In this article, we will share some insights on how to look after aging parents without compromising your well-being.
Accept the Challenges
Looking after a senior is a daunting process, no matter if they are your parents and how much you love them.
According to the American Psychological Association, the physical health challenges of caregivers include fatigue, lack of sleep, weakened immune system, and adverse health outcomes. They also struggle mentally, dealing with stress, depression, isolation, guilt, and anticipatory grief. Financial strains, relationship issues, and long-term care decisions may also take a toll.
To keep caregiver stress at bay, you must accept the reality and challenges of caregiving. Acknowledge that the process can be difficult, exhausting, and sometimes frustrating. With acceptance, you can overcome feelings of guilt or inadequacy when things don’t go perfectly. The right mindset enables you to approach caregiving realistically and prepare yourself emotionally for ups and downs.
Prioritize Self-Care
According to the National Institute of Aging, self-care is essential for caregivers to maintain their physical and emotional health. Imagine the adjustments and sacrifices you make to fit into the role. Also, you may push yourself hard to juggle work and family responsibilities while looking after a loved one.
Make self-care a part of your priority list. Begin with the basics like eating nutritious meals, following regular mealtimes, getting regular exercise, and ensuring adequate sleep.
A little self-care replenishes your energy and resilience. You will end up providing better care if you are happy and energetic. Practices such as meditation, yoga, or simply spending time with friends can also prevent burnout. Don’t miss out on regular medical check-ups as they help catch any health issues early.
Outsource Help When You Need It
Caregiving can be a full-time job, and trying to do everything alone can push you toward burnout. Delegating responsibility does not mean that you love your parents any less. Accept or seek help from family members, friends, or professional caregivers if you feel stressed.
Having someone to help with meal preparation, errands, or personal care can lighten your load. Professional respite care services can be taken if you want a break to recharge. You may consider options like an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner and a family nurse practitioner to step in.
When you compare acute care NP vs FNP, you will understand the best option in your case. A severely ill senior will require special care from an acute care professional. Conversely, an FNP can cover the everyday needs of an aging senior when you need help.
Baylor University notes that FNPs work mostly in clinics and wellness centers, while AGACNPs are employed in hospitals and ICUs. See what your aging parent needs and seek help from the right professional. Having a network of support reduces stress and improves the quality of care your parent receives.
Have Realistic Expectations
Caregiving is often unpredictable, and progress can be slow despite the best effort. Setting realistic expectations helps reduce frustration and disappointment. Understand that some days will be harder than others, and setbacks are a part of the process.
Having realistic expectations from others is equally important. According to AARP, family caregivers often encounter some unmet expectations. They chafe whenever others take their sacrifices for granted by others. They feel angry when requests for help are ignored. The best way to deal with this situation is to stop having expectations from others at all.
Being realistic also means recognizing when medical interventions or additional support are necessary. The last thing you should do at such times is to insist that you can handle everything yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do caregivers need most?
Emotional support and physical assistance are the primary needs of caregivers. Emotional support helps them cope with the stress and isolation that caregiving can bring. Physical assistance with demanding tasks reduces fatigue and injury risk. Recognition and respect help sustain motivation.
What should a caregiver not do?
Caregivers should avoid neglecting their own health at the cost of looking after a loved one. They should also not isolate themselves socially or refuse help when offered. They must not overextend themselves beyond their physical or emotional limits to prevent burnout.
What does caregiver fatigue look like?
Caregiver fatigue brings emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion for a person who goes too far looking after a loved one. Early signs include irritability, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, headaches, and muscle pain. As fatigue progresses, you may feel detached, cynical, or hopeless. Even worse, you may neglect responsibilities, withdraw socially, experience appetite changes, or lose interest in hobbies.
Caring for an aging parent is a deeply rewarding yet demanding journey. The process requires balancing compassion with self-preservation because you matter as much as your loved one. If you end up with burnout, you will be unable to give your parent the best care.
