Caregiver Support: The Importance of Seeking Help When You Need It

You take such good care of others—don’t forget to take care of yourself!
Image source: Flickr user gemsling[/caption]

caregiver support
You take such good care of others—don’t forget to take care of yourself!
Image source: Flickr user gemsling

Being a caregiver for a loved one often means working hours that equate to a full-time job. In addition, you may actually be working a full-time job, as well as caring for your own family, or dealing with health problems. In all the day-to-day chaos and responsibilities, it’s easy to forget the one person who makes all this possible: you. Sometimes, reaching out for caregiver support seems like just one more thing on your “to do list.” But this task is different from all the others. Getting caregiver support is the one thing that will help you keep your health, your sanity, and your ability to continue in the caregiver role.

Caregiver support protects your health

If you’re looking after your elderly mom, dad, or loved one, you’ve probably put a lot into their health care. You see that they go to medical appointments, take the right prescriptions, and follow all treatments recommended by their physicians. But who is protecting your health? As a caregiver, are you doing all these things for yourself? It’s also important to make time to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine, even if the meals are simple, and the exercise consists of a few walks around the block.
Prolonged stress has been linked to increased risk for numerous ailments, including contagious illnesses, strokes, and heart attacks, among others. Look at it this way: taking baby steps toward meeting health goals may prevent you from needing your own caretaker not too long in the future.

Caregiver support prevents burnout

Caregiver support maintains more than physical health – it supports psychological health and overall well-being too. Dozens of studies show a correlation between stress and depression. Prolonged tension can lead to insomnia, anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and other effects that make daily life difficult – and make caregiving seem like an impossible challenge. Exhaustion can set in, and soon, even the simplest problems seem overwhelming. By getting caregiver support before this chain of events takes place, you can prevent the long-term harm caused by burnout.

Where to find caregiver support

Don’t try to do it all – finding caregiver support is easier than you might think. Start with procuring help from family and friends. Ask if each person will take over one task that you find onerous. If you have four friends who can grocery shop for your loved one once a month, that’s one less errand for you to run all month long. Even if family members live long distances away, they can still provide phone support (and possibly chip in for financial assistance).
Caregiver support is also available on a professional level – and may be more affordable than you realize. Here are a few options you may want to consider:

  • A certified home health aide. This is someone who stays with your loved one for as many hours as you choose, either 24-7, 9-5, or even when you’re running errands. They can assist with feeding, toileting, giving medications, and other daily tasks when you’re unable to do so.
  • Adult day clubs. This is an excellent option if your senior lives with you or another family member, but still needs assistance and supervision during the day. An adult day club offers 9-5 socialization, medication monitoring, cognition-enhancing activities, and more.
  • Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP). An MSSP is a care management program designed specifically for frail, low-income seniors who require more support at home. Nurses and social workers coordinate services the senior may need to stay in the home instead of seeking long-term care placement.

You can’t afford to neglect caregiver support

It’s easy to put off caregiver support – or even ignore it completely. But bear in mind that you do so at your peril, and at great risk to your loved one. Sometimes, the best way to help them is to help yourself. Reach out when you are in need, or preferably before. Prevent your own exhaustion and burnout by letting others lend a hand for a change. Being a caregiver doesn’t have to be a solo mission – remember, we are all in this together!
If you are unsure of how to best help an aging loved one, the trained and compassionate staff at the Institute on Aging is here to help you make that decision and gain the best in at-home senior care. Contact us to find out more.

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Three and a half years ago, Maggie Fang started her journey as an Assessment Specialist in the Support at Home Program at IOA. Her excellent people skills enabled her to manage a caseload of older adults and individuals with disabilities, helping them receive homecare to age in place. Maggie was selected to pioneer the Temporary Respite Caregiver Support program, and we are delighted to have such a skilled and dedicated individual leading our newest program at IOA. Thank you, Maggie, for your exceptional work! 

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Join us at the Adult Day Program at the Enrichment Center as Caregiver Coach Alex shares with us the incredible support and care provided to participants living with dementia. Clients enjoy various engaging activities, from music therapy to art classes, designed to stimulate their cognitive and physical abilities. The skilled staff at the Enrichment Center also provides caregivers with much-needed support and respite, allowing them to take a break and attend to their needs. If you or someone you know is looking for support in caring for a loved one with dementia, the Adult Day Program at the Enrichment Center in the Presidio is an excellent resource for you! 

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At Insitute on Aging, we are committed to attracting and retaining top talent, and we are incredibly fortunate to have Manuel Martinez on our team. With his extensive expertise in housing and community resources, Manuel has been an invaluable asset to our organization. Recently, he was promoted to the role of Assessment Specialist II in our Adults with Disabilities - Home Delivered Meals program. In addition to managing a caseload, Manuel has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and has become an expert in program management. We are grateful for Manuel's unwavering commitment to IOA and the community we serve. Thank you, Manuel, for your dedication and passion in making a difference in the lives of others. 
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Patty has dedicated her career and volunteer efforts to support older adults and adults with disabilities in San Francisco. As the Resident Services Coordinator for Institute on Aging's Support in Independent Living program, Patty wears many hats to ensure that the 120+ residents of Martin Luther Towers Senior Housing can age in place comfortably. Her talent for connecting individuals with resources has enabled her to go above and beyond to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all. Patty's commitment to her work has been unwavering, and we are grateful to have her on our team at IOA. 

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