The stress of home care for an aging parent
According to an AARP survey, 21% of respondents aged 18+ say they are currently a caregiver, and 49% expect to be a caregiver in the future. In some instances, caregiving responsibilities can be a source of stress for the person receiving care, regardless of whether they live with family or are enrolled in a residential facility. Aging parents requiring home care in particular can often represent a challenge for adult children. While there can be joy in intergenerational living, adult children may also struggle to juggle work, childcare, and household chores while caring for the physical and mental health needs of their aging parent. In some cases, a home health agency may be able to help, but this can add to the financial stress of a family.
Unique challenges of long-term care
Long-term care can be especially challenging for adult children and other family members providing it. While families may be able to temporarily sacrifice time and resources when older adults have an acute health challenge, the uncertainty associated with long-term care often causes stress. Adult children may begin to worry about how long they can continue to provide intensive care or contribute financial resources for long-term care services. Watching parents decline due to a serious illness can also be deeply distressing.
Common mental health issues that caregivers face When taking care of an elderly parent, family caregivers like siblings or other adult children frequently experience a wide range of emotions. In addition to the joy and satisfaction they may feel at being able to provide for their parent and share daily moments with them, a caregiver may also feel a mix of sadness, frustration, anger, and fear of losing their parent. Some people may also experience a sense of guilt for feeling stressed or frustrated when their other relationships are affected by caregiving responsibilities.
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Self-care tips for those involved in caregiving
Adult children caring for parents or other older adults may be able to reduce their stress and protect their emotional well-being by implementing strategies like the following:
Build a support system. Caregivers often need people to lean on so they can vent about or receive support related to caregiving stressors. Friends who have been through a similar experience may be of particular help during this time. Individuals who don’t have a support system might consider joining a caregiver support group, either in person or online.
Schedule regular breaks from caregiving. It may seem difficult to schedule breaks, but they can be critical for maintaining mental health and avoiding burnout. Respite care is available in many areas if an adult caregiver is unable to find another family member to help out.
Engage in physical exercise. Research suggests that exercise can trigger the release of endorphins, which are the body’s feel-good hormones. Getting regular exercise in a way that’s enjoyable for you can also remind you that your health is important and that you deserve care, too.
Implement a meditation practice. Mindfulness meditation may help reduce stress levels and rumination, both of which can be common among caregivers who are juggling multiple responsibilities. Even 10 minutes of meditation per day may make a significant difference.
How therapy can help a family caregiver
In addition to engaging in self-care, caregivers may also benefit from speaking with a licensed mental health professional. A therapist can assist caregivers in overcoming emotional obstacles brought on by caring for an elderly parent and in discovering stress-relieving strategies that are healthy. A therapist may also be able to provide wellness strategies that are tailored to each caregiver’s particular situation.
