There can be a lot of tough decisions when it comes time to consider elderly care. Oxnard, CA families often come to Home Instead when they have been wrestling with these decisions for a very long time. At first, our aging loved ones might just need a few extra visits to make sure they’re safe and happy, but eventually, it can get to the point where family caregivers are struggling to be there often enough. Seemingly simple responsibilities can become a big burden on loved ones who already have their own obligations to career, family, and community. So, how do family caregivers know it’s time to start searching for a caregiver agency near me? Oxnard, CA area families should consider the following signs of caregiver burnout and contact Home Instead when it’s time to call in the cavalry.
The Signs of Burnout from Elderly Care
Too many responsibilities. In an ideal world, every elderly person would have a huge group of family members and other loved ones living nearby who can all help out without anyone person taking on too much of the caregiving burden. In reality, though, there might only be one family member living nearby or the responsibilities might end up impacting one or two family members more than others. All those “little” responsibilities like shopping for groceries, picking up prescriptions, cooking meals, taking loved ones to appointments, reminding them to take their medications, doing light housekeeping, and managing other daily tasks can really add up.
Too little time. At a certain point, there just aren’t always enough hours in the day to take care of an elderly loved one in every way they need. Most family caregivers have their own responsibilities including jobs, college courses, and their own families that they are also responsible for caring for. It doesn’t matter how much we love our elderly family members; there are only so many hours in the day to provide elderly companion care. Oxnard, CA families don’t have to do it alone, though. Home Instead’s trained, screened, and bonded CAREGivers are available to help and provide companionship any time of day or night.
Less quality time. When elderly family members require a high level of care, the caregiving role can replace the previous relationship that children, grandchildren, and other loved ones once had with them. Caregiving can be emotionally draining, too. This dynamic doesn’t leave much space for quality time and emotional connection with our aging loved ones. When CAREGivers are helping out with responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning, and personal care, it leaves more space for quality time with family.
Safety issues. When there are too many caregiving responsibilities and not enough time, issues of safety can also come into play. There are many red flags, and it should be clear when things have become dangerous. For example, when loved ones are forgetting to take medication, failing to bathe often, losing weight from lack of adequate nutrition, having toileting issues, or displaying bruises and other signs of frequent falls, it’s time to get help from an elderly companion agency. Oxnard, CA seniors also benefit from the company of a CAREGiver who visits frequently with a friendly face to keep them safe.
There’s no ignoring the signs. If you and your family are experiencing elderly care burnout, it’s time to call in the cavalry. Home Instead’s team of trained, screened, and bonded CAREGivers can provide a variety of caregiving services and companionship during any hours that you’re not able to be there.
