Nearly 90 percent of seniors over the age of 65 hope to age in place, spending the next 10 years or longer in their homes. Most seniors envision restful, meaningful retirements filled with good health, new activities, and visits from family and friends. Too often, medical conditions turn this vision into something far less idyllic. Missed medications, endless prescriptions, too many trips to the doctor, and accidental medication overdoses pose serious dangers to seniors’ health and well-being.
Family caregiving can be difficult, stressful, and time-consuming. However, despite the frustrations and fatigue, many family members find themselves in some type of caregiving role as their loved ones age. The Family Caregiver Alliance reports that an estimated 34.2 million Americans have provided some type of caregiving assistance to adults over the age of 50 in the past year. These informal caregivers, typically family members or friends, enter into their caregiving role with loving intentions ... and without the knowledge of the reality of caregiver burnout.
As your loved one grows older, you add a few items to your regular to-do list. Perhaps you have to accompany your loved one to certain doctor appointments, or maybe now you take care of buying their groceries. Along with tasks, you may also begin adding some worries that keep you up at night. Among the biggest concerns for most children of aging adults? Healthcare costs and keeping Mom at home without compromising her safety.
More than 43 million Americans care for a loved one, with most providing care for at least 20 hours a week. Becoming a caregiver often means a fundamental shift in your relationship. It may require significant schedule changes, less time with your kids, and a willingness to become an expert in aging and various ailments. Most caregivers steadily transition into this role over a period of months or years. This transition can help you slowly adapt to your role while assessing what works and what doesn’t. Here are some strategies that can help you ease into this role with grace and skill, without compromising your own quality of life.