It’s estimated there are more than a million spousal caregivers facing the added stress of caring for loved ones with dementia. Even when dementia isn’t involved, tending to the needs of a spouse with other conditions requiring special care can have a similar impact on the health of the spouse acting as the caregiver. Here are a few ways stress can impact spousal caregivers.
Taking Spousal Reactions Personally
Confusion, sudden angry outbursts, and the inability to recall important memories are condition-specific reactions spousal caregivers often take personally. While it may be difficult to do so, it’s important for caregiving spouses to realize it’s the illness or disease causing these reactions, not the person.
Hire a professional caregiver if you need a break from your caregiving duties. In-home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Increased Vulnerability to Stress-Related Conditions
As care needs become increasingly demanding, spousal caregivers often experience increased anxiety that sometimes leads to depression and other stress-related conditions. Added stress may also cause resentment toward family members who are unable to provide significant assistance. Stress-related symptoms may include:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Increased aches and pains
- Frequent headaches
One of the best ways to care for yourself is to hire a professional caregiver to be there for your spouse when you need a break. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of elder care Richmond families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.
Neglecting Personal Care Needs
Spousal caregivers often place the needs of their loved ones over their own. If personal care needs are neglected, the spouse providing the care may put him or herself at increased risk for developing serious illnesses, sustaining injuries, or not being as responsive to immediate care needs due to increased fatigue. Spousal caregivers may also reach a point where they:
- Overlook signs of possible health issues
- Skip their own medical appointments
- Dismiss expressions of concern from family members
A study of caregivers found half the respondents reported multiple symptoms of psychological distress coupled with increased feelings of isolation. Such findings emphasize the need for spousal caregivers to realize it’s all right to ask for help from other family members or respite care providers, consider long-term professional care options, and accept their own limitations.
Richmond respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed. Assisting Hands Home Care will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Specialists today to learn more about our customized care plans.
