It’s not surprising that those who are caregivers for aging parents experience extensive stress. From supervision to running errands to even making sure their parents are taking their medication; caregiving is both emotionally and physically exhausting. This is why those who care for senior parents at home are more prone to depression than those who aren’t.
There are several contributing factors, and one of the main issues is that caregivers frequently put their own needs on hold. Caregiving consumes so much time and effort that there is little left over for self-care. This is one reason that assisted living communities like ours have become such an important option to help relieve caregiver stress.
This means that every time you put off taking that time for a walk around the neighborhood, coffee with a friend, or even getting a good night’s sleep, you’re depriving yourself—and others–of the care needed.
Did you know that May is Mental Health Month? Throughout May we will examine how professional assisted living can be a viable solution for both dependent and care providers alike.
Caregiver Depression by the Numbers
The Family Caregiver Alliance cites these facts:
- Roughly 40% to 70% of family caregivers have some type of depression (this is more than twice the rate of that found in the general population.)
- Women are more likely to experience caregiver depression than men.
- Of caregivers 50 years of age and over, 20% of female caregivers reported depression as compared to 8% of their peers who were not caregivers.
- Around 17 to 35% of family caregivers rate their own health as fair to poor. This percentage increases as the number of hours of caregiving increases.
- Seventeen percent believe their health has deteriorated because of caregiving.
It’s important to note that caregiving itself doesn’t cause depression, and depression may be the result of several factors.
Sometimes, feelings of anger, anxiety and isolation can be contributed to the elements. Often, depression can be caused by brain chemistry, which is why it’s important to talk to a counselor or health care professional if you are experiencing the signs of depression.
What Are the Signs of Depression?
If you suspect (or even question) whether you may be suffering from depression, you should immediately speak with your health care professional. Here are just some of the signs:
- Sleep disturbances, either by sleeping too much or too little
- Changes in eating habits
- Loss of interest in things that once gave you pleasure
- Easily agitated when you normally aren’t that way
- Uncharacteristic levels of Anger
- Negative self-image—feeling like nothing you do is good enough
Methods to Cope with Caregiver Depression
There’s not any one method that works for everyone, so a part of your journey to wellness begins with exploring what is appropriate for you. However, in general:
- Take care of your own needs. You can’t care for someone else effectively if you aren’t taking care of yourself.
- Set realistic goals. Don’t try to be everything to everybody. This will quickly lead to burnout.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. This can be from friends and relatives or from an assisted living community.
- Keep a close eye on your health. Are you sleeping too much (or too little)? Are you exercising regularly? By watching your own health, you will help ensure you have more energy to get through your day.
How Can Professional Assisted Living Help Caregivers
Caregiving is an all-encompassing and often frustrating job. Professional assisted living is a wonderful solution because we can provide your loved one with assistance with medication management, bathing and other activities of daily living. However, we always support your loved one’s independence and enable them to live independently as long as safely possible.
Those in assisted living do not need 24/7 medical supervision. Of course some people do require 24/7 care services and that is why you can turn to professional memory care options like ours for those who have Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
The big takeaway here: The option of professional assisted living services here in Canton or our professional memory care services in Canton means that you can step back into your role as son, daughter or spouse and allow us to care for your loved one with the dignity and care they deserve.
Contact us to schedule a tour today!