Being the caregiver of someone with memory problems can become overwhelming. Despite the love that goes into caring for someone, the responsibility, time, and emotions can often be a lot to handle for one person. Respite care and other types of help can usually give caregivers the time to focus on themselves and take a break. Research shows that just a couple of hours a week to themselves can improve a caregiver’s well-being.[1] However, many caregivers may be reluctant to take a break from memory care or even realize they need assistance. If you or a loved one are a caregiver for someone with memory issues, here are five signs that a caregiver needs help.
5 Signs a Caregiver Needs Help with Memory Care
Fatigue
Taking care of another person can be physically and emotionally exhausting, especially if you are the only one your loved one depends on. Although you rest, you may begin to experience fatigue. Irritability and feeling constantly overwhelmed can also be signs of fatigue.
When tired, people can feel chronic stress, leading to health problems. Chronic stress can cause aches and pains, loss of appetite, low energy, and other damaging symptoms to your physical and mental well-being. [2]
Social Isolation
Caregivers can begin to feel socially isolated if they spend all their time caring for a loved one. This can mean missing activities and not participating in hobbies they once enjoyed. Feeling isolated can lead to depression and other mental health issues.
Neglecting Self-Care
If caregivers spend most of their time looking after loved ones, they may neglect taking care of themselves. This can result in poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and not doing things that make them look and feel good. When this happens, a caregiver can also begin to harbor resentment because they are not feeling good about themselves.
Neglecting Responsibilities
When most of someone’s time is spent caring for others, they may neglect their responsibilities. This can include personal appointments, caring for the house, and spending time with children and other family members.
Financial Strain
Being the primary caregiver for someone with memory problems can cause financial hardships. The caregiver may need to reduce their working hours or leave their job permanently so they can take care of their loved one.
Sometimes, caring for a loved one at home can also lead to increased medical bills and other expenses. Home modifications may be needed, and caregivers may see they are making more hospital trips due to illness or injury. These types of expenses can put a financial strain on caregivers.
Available Help for Caregivers
If you are a caregiver looking for some help or want to provide help for a caregiver you know, here are some options:
Respite Care
Respite care provides caregivers some time off from their caregiving duties. It allows caregivers to focus on themselves for a time rather than putting all their energy into caring for a loved one. A respite care program can temporarily take over a caregiver’s responsibilities for days, weeks, or even months. When receiving respite care, they can get help bathing, dressing, medication management, and much more. Encore Communities provides this type of respite care so caregivers can get the break they deserve while knowing their loved ones are adequately cared for.
Cook Meals
If you notice a caregiver isn’t eating properly because they don’t have time to cook, offer to make a meal. You can also start a meal train for them where various people take turns cooking and bringing one meal daily. This type of support is often welcomed and much appreciated.
Run Errands
You may also offer to run errands for a caregiver who seems overwhelmed. This can take the burden off someone and reassure them that their duties are being attended to.
Lend a Listening Ear
Caregivers often feel alone, so sitting down and having a conversation can be an immense help. Knowing someone is there to listen can prevent caregivers from feeling so alone.
Memory Care & Respite Care at Encore Communities
Encore Communities provides memory and respite care options for patients and their families. Our memory care facilities offer complete care for those with varying degrees of dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. Memory care is available at The Ridge, Regent Court, and our Laurel Cove Communities.
Respite care is available at Laurel Cove and Regent Court to give caregivers the rest they need. We provide a “home away from home” that is safe and comfortable. Contact Encore Communities today to learn more about how our memory and respite care options can provide the best care possible for patients and their families.
Sources:
[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1064748114000475
[2] https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/stress-disorder
Dan is Vice President, Marketing of the Alumus family of companies. A Seattle native, he earned his BA in Humanities and Political Science at Evergreen State College. He started his career as a newspaper columnist, eventually transitioning into marketing and tech writing for Microsoft and several other startups. He later launched a successful creative agency focused on branding, digital marketing, and content production in Los Angeles, where he worked for several nursing and behavioral health clients, eventually becoming the National Marketing Director for one of them.
He has taught Vipassana mindfulness meditation and MBSR and spends whatever free time he has with his son snowboarding, hiking, and camping in the mountains.
