About 30 years ago, the role of family being the main senior caregiver in India was naturally accepted. In most families the older generation lived with their children. The elderly looked to the young members of the family not for physical assistance alone, but for psychological support as well. Consequently, they kept better health. As for caregiving, the onus was not on a single person. The family members took turns in caring for the young, the ill and the elderly.
Senior caregiving: Changing times
But today’s scenario has undergone a sea of change. Nuclear families and old parents living alone are the order of the day. Nowadays, one person, generally the woman of the house, assumes the role of caregiver for an older person with an illness or disabilities. Although caregiving can be rewarding, it is undeniably stressful as well.
Most caregivers often face common challenges that leave them overwhelmed, anxious or intimidated by their duties. Here are some of the common challenges listed by family caregivers.
Managing their time
Neeru was the mother of two kids, ages 5 years and 2 years, when her father-in-law passed away suddenly. Due to health limitations, her diabetic mother-in-law moved in with them. Neeru was sandwiched between the needs of her small children and the nutritional and medical care of her moth-in-law. She could no longer balance going to work and doing justice to her responsibilities at home. Food and caregiving became a full time job.
Caregivers often find they have less time for themselves and other family members. They often spend so much time on caregiving duties that they end up sacrificing the things they enjoy, like hobbies or vacations. Or like Neeru, they have trouble balancing work schedules around caregiving.
Emotional and physical stress
A large number of senior caregivers’ report that their health has gotten worse as a result of caregiving. Caring for chronic conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease seem to cause the most emotional stress. The physical demands of caregiving can also take a toll, when the duties include lifting and helping with mobility.
Savita who is reaching 60 herself finds it physically exhausting caring for her 88-year-old bed-ridden father. He was paralysed after suffering a stroke and Savita struggles with lifting, feeding and caring for him on a daily basis.
Financial strain
Since most family caregivers are unpaid, they can start to feel some financial strain, especially when caregiving takes them away from a paying job. The longer the family caregiver has been providing care, the more financial strain they feel.
Sleep deprivation of a senior caregiver
Lack of sleep can be a big issue for a senior caregiver, as often the loved one’s sleep-wake cycle can be mixed up. Sleep deprivation can take a huge toll on a caregiver who is already feeling the strain of being burned from both ends.
Being afraid to ask for help
Many senior caregivers feel ashamed to ask for help from others. They feel they must assume the full caregiver burden as that asking for some assistance may be a sign of weakness. The caregiver in turn starts to feel guilty that they aren’t providing the best care that they could.
Senior caregivers face depression and isolation
A family caregiver is often at high risk for depression. Oftentimes, caregiving duties take up so much of their time that they no longer maintain social connections outside of the home.
Are you someone going through a similar phase? Don’t worry we have got it all covered. Unmukt Festival is a one-stop lifestyle solutions hub for seniors. Follow us to stay updated on healthy ageing.