Caregiving can often be a stressful job, that may leave the caregiver feeling isolated or depressed. While there are some negative effects that can come with caregiving, there are certainly positive ones as well. The following article will discuss the issues associated with caregiving, followed by the positive effects of being a caregiver.
Negative Impacts of Caregiving
Caregiving can be stressful sometimes, and can impact one’s mental and physical health. This is especially true when the one receiving care is very ill or suffers from memory loss. Caregiving can impact the caregiver, especially when they are raising children, traveling long distances to provide care, or are juggling another job in addition to providing care. Evidence has indicated that caregivers have rated their own health as being “fair” or “poor,” and using their health benefits more, due to the effects of their responsibilities. Common negative effects of caregiving include:
- Worry
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Exhaustion
- Frustration
- Clinical depression
Financial Strain
In addition to health problems, financial strain can also become an issue. Caregivers may spend exhaustive amounts a year in out-of-pocket expenses to help care for their ailing loved one. If a caregiver needs to adjust their work schedule, or leave work altogether, this can result in reduced income, which in turn can have negative effects for both the caregiver and care recipient.
Relationships and Free Time
A caregiver’s personal and family relationships can also be affected negatively as a result of their obligations. Whether siblings disagree about the best plan of care for their mother, or parents have less time to spend with their children, many families often need services to help them adjust to their caregiving situation. Additionally, caregivers tend to have less time for their own personal needs such as spending time with friends, doing activities that they enjoy, or even just going to church. This lack of time for one’s social and personal needs can lead to “caregiver burnout,” where the caregiver cannot provide any more care. In some circumstances, this can lead to abuse. While it is rare, there are recorded instances of such situations, even in the most unsuspecting of families. By helping caregivers and their families find ways to cope with their situation, everyone, including the care recipient’s lives can be improved.
The Positives of Caregiving
There are many positive and rewarding aspects of being a caregiver, as well. By being a caregiver, you can show your family members that you love them, and that you want to help them. Some caregivers view their help as a way to give back to their family members for the help that they may have received in the past. They gain a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem, knowing that they make a daily impact in the life of someone they love. Many develop deep, and meaningful relationships with their care recipients. In some instances, families are bonded closer when they have to care for a loved one that is in need.
Providing care can be stressful in many situations, but can be an exceptionally rewarding experience. It may come with many challenges, but it can also have the potential to bring you closer to your loved ones more than you could ever imagine.
Reach Out for More Information
If you would like an assessment for home care and caring helper visits, contact Caring Hands Matter today. Our flexible, professionally trained staff can determine your loved one’s needs with a home visit. Compassionate and reliable support is available. Don’t wait, call or contact us online today.