If you’ve been entrusted with tending to an older loved one, you know that it’s nearly impossible for family members to provide stress-free home care. Being a caregiver is hard work that can easily take its toll emotionally, financially, and mentally. If you’re experiencing caregiver stress or know an overwhelmed caregiver, continue reading to learn how professional home care services alleviate the pressure and difficulties of caring for a loved one.
What Causes Volunteer Care Worker Stress?
Being a caregiver is hard for many reasons. Whether you’re taking care of an older adult family member or a medically frail loved one with chronic illness, the job is unrelenting. Watching an aging parent struggle with health problems, losing independence, or succumbing to the effects of long-term conditions can add undue stress and affect your mental health.
Another aspect of caregiving roles that causes caregiver stress is long hours. In many instances, elderly parents or loved ones require around-the-clock assistance for everything from meal preparation to toileting. Along with providing aid and comfort to your loved one, you also have your own life and family to worry about.
With so many responsibilities to juggle, it’s more than forgivable to feel like an overwhelmed caregiver. If you’ve reached a breaking point of traumatic stress or feel like there’s not enough time in a day, you do have options.
How Professional Home Care Services Relieve Caregiver Stress
To minimize the frequency and likelihood of caregiver burnout, many of those caring for a family member or friend in need turn to professional home care services. Trained health care workers compassionately assist patients with everything from daily tasks like grooming and dressing to more physical activities like bathing and getting in and out of bed.
Employing a home care professional also reduces caregiver stress because it gives you the guilt-free comfort of knowing your loved one is being taken care of while you’re focusing on your own needs and life. Removing the time and effort burdens that made you an overwhelmed caregiver helps you be a more attentive and patient provider for your loved ones when you’re needed. And you’re always free to visit your family member or friend while they’re being cared for.
Professional, Stress-Free Home Care Options
Many people experiencing caregiver stress think assisted living facilities are their only option. But the incredible costs and often less attentive care turn them off to the idea. If you’re an overwhelmed caregiver, there are several services available that can help you ease your stress loads while helping your loved ones retain their independence and home life.
Respite Care
Respite care is one of the best ways to relieve care worker stress. This service provides temporary relief, lasting anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, for caregivers who need to attend to other needs. Whether you want to forget about your caregiver stress during a vacation or need to make an important presentation at work, professional respite care enables you to do so.
Because trusted providers match the level of care you offer your loved one, you have a stress-free home care solution that helps you and those closest to you.
Personal Care
Not only is being a caregiver hard, but at times it can reach beyond your capabilities. Suppose an elderly or medically frail family member can no longer perform daily activities and their needs are taking up too much of your time. In that case, personal care services may be the answer.
Personal care providers allow patients to stay at home while receiving several types of assistance, including:
- Mobility: A professional helps eliminate caregiver stress by assisting your loved one while they move about the house, get in and out of bed, and go to and from bathrooms.
- Grooming: Maintaining shaving, hair combing, and makeup routines helps your loved one’s self-esteem and mental health. Professional caregivers are happy to perform these tasks with your loved ones.
- Hygiene: One of the most significant elements of providing assistance that causes caregiver stress is maintaining hygiene. A professional service provider offers supervision and direct aid for anything from toileting to teeth brushing.
- Nutrition: It’s hard to overstate the importance of a well-balanced diet for the elderly, chronically ill, or medically frail. Assistance with meal preparation and assuring your loved one has regular meals is one of the most beneficial aspects of professional, stress-free home care.
Senior Companion Care
If you’re caring for an older adult who seeks company and conversation while being assisted with daily living activities, consider senior companion care. Senior companions are an excellent way to remove some of the everyday tasks facing overwhelmed caregivers. Your loved one’s home care professional assists with meal preparation, light housekeeping chores, and transportation services.
While similar to personal care, it is essential to note that companions cannot provide hands-on assistance. This is a service best suited for those looking to age in place while maintaining a high quality of life and sense of satisfaction.
Experiencing Caregiver Stress? MDC Healthcare Is Here To Help
Being an overwhelmed caregiver isn’t good for the long-term mental and physical health of you or your loved one. If you’re looking for a way to give your elderly family member or friend the same level of care and comfort you provide while relieving your own caregiver stress, MDC offers stress-free home care. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help.
