Being a family caregiver can be extremely demanding. Know that you are not alone. You can find support in your own community.
In the U.S., 38 million people are caregivers, according to an AARP report. Together, they dedicate 36 billion hours of free care. “The emotional and physical stress of caregiving can take its toll,” says the National Institute on Aging (NIA).
The sacrifice of becoming a family caregiver can cause “high levels of financial strain,” explains the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. To care for an aging family member, many caregivers cut back work hours or quit a job. This reduces household income and can make paying bills difficult. For a caregiver, working less can reduce payments into Social Security or pension plans—leading to lower income in the future.
In addition, caregivers can experience:
- Physical and mental health issues
- Sleep problems
- Disconnection from friends
- Sacrifice of self-care, like exercising, showering, or eating well.
As a caregiver, you may find it hard to take care of your own health. Caregiving can be very demanding, especially if you are “always on”. If you find yourself feeling exhausted, anxious, angry, or sad, these are signs you need support.
“Many caregivers feel guilty for not doing enough,” explains CoAction in its Dementia Caregiving Tips. “It’s important to recognize that caring for yourself is also essential.” Alzheimer’s or other form of dementia are common reasons for home caregiving.
Care for the Caregiver
If you feel the stress of caregiving taking a toll on you, you are not alone. Even if you believe you don’t have time or energy to care for yourself, finding “small ways to lower your stress and boost your mood” can pay off, suggests the National Institute on Aging. Try setting aside 10 minutes each day to unwind with a favorite activity.
Looking to find balance? Some ideas to consider are:
- Be kind to yourself. Express and accept your own feelings; write in a journal if you choose. Caregiving can be very hard.
- Reach out to friends and family as much as you can so you feel less alone. Phone calls, texts, emails, and visits can all make a difference.
- Talk to a mental health professional about your own experience when you need to.
- Recruit others who care, even for small tasks. Everything helps.
- Try online grocery shopping if you haven’t already.
- Engage in whatever stress-reliever works for you—meditation, yoga, music, or just a favorite TV show.
- Keep up any spiritual practices that are important to you, even simple things like prayer, podcasts, or a virtual worship service.
- Aim to get some exercise you enjoy—walking, dancing, gardening, or whatever is fun.
- Prioritize taking care of your own health needs, too. Keeping up with your healthcare visits can protect your well-being.
- Look for ways to get a break, and join a support group.
Getting a Break
Adult day care can give relief to caregivers while providing needed services and a supportive environment to older adults. For example, there are adult day care services for people living with dementia. “Adult day care tends to be less expensive than in-home or nursing home care,” explains the NIA. Visit the National Adult Day Services Association to find options near you.
Respite care is another supportive option. Respite provides short-term care away from home, giving the caregiver a break. It can be for several hours or days.
The Senior Companion Program from CoAction, Northwest Indiana’s Area Agency on Aging, provides volunteer assistance and companionship to older adults in their homes. It can also provide respite to family caregivers, explains CoAction.
Also be sure to explore supportive in-home services that can help an older adult remain at home. “In a program called Structured Family Caregiving, CoAction may be able to provide some financial support to a family member who gives up paid work to become a caregiver for an older adult,” explains the blog, You Age Well at Home?
To find out how CoAction can help you, complete a Services Request form online.
Caregiver Support Groups
If you are a caregiver, joining a support group can be a game-changer for your well-being. You may have options to meet in-person or virtually. For dementia caregivers, “Some groups even offer adult day services at no cost while you attend a meeting,” says Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana. The Alzheimer’s Association has discussion groups for caregivers in both English and Spanish. For a directory of dementia support groups, visit the CoAction Dementia Resources page.
Many virtual support groups and online forums are available nationwide. Some are based on specific medical conditions. Some are led by peers. Others are led by trained facilitators. To explore support group options, visit the AARP web page, How to Find a Caregiver Support Group That’s Right for You (also available En español).
Caregiver Resources
At CoAction, Jenna Turner serves as a Dementia Outreach Specialist. She can provide families, agencies, and clients with information, support, and resources about dementia caregiving. Jenna also maintains a list of local support groups for caregivers. You can contact her for more information via email at jturner@coaction.care, or by phone at 219-329-1457.
For more help:
- Visit the CoAction Dementia Resources for a wealth of resources about dementia, dementia care, and forms of support.
- For helpful ideas on managing everyday tasks, communication, behaviors, and more, download Dementia Caregiving Tips from CoAction.
- Tap into a helpline. Visit the Dementia Resources web page to find dementia helplines.
- For a comprehensive guide on being a caregiver for someone living with dementia or any other condition, download the National Institute on Aging Caregiver’s Handbook.
In all, being a family caregiver can be one of the toughest jobs on the planet. As a caregiver, you can take steps to tap into support. As our local Area Agency on Aging, CoAction is here to help. Feel free to reach out.