Many of us will need to take care of our loved ones as they age. You will have an easier time with your caregiving role if you learn more about what it entails. And it also helps if you don’t get the wrong idea by falling for some of the misconceptions you see online about caregiving.
You Need To Decide Where She’ll Live
Many people believe that they will need to choose the nursing home facility where their loved one will live. Of course, it’s essential to find a quality caregiver or organization, but like most people, you may end up having your loved one with you at home.
It’s estimated that caregivers provide up to 80% of care to their loved ones in the home setting. So the most common decision isn’t the facility, but who in the family will provide the majority of care.
Most Caregivers Also Still Have Young Children At Home
Some caregivers still have children at home when they begin caring for an older loved one. But that’s the exception, not the rule.
Most caregivers no longer have dependent children when their loved one begins to need care.
People Know How Challenging Caregiving Can Be
We may think we have an idea of what caregiving will be like, but you don’t know until it becomes your life.
Many who care for loved ones are kind, generous people and may not want help.
But other family members should know if you’re struggling to care for your loved one. You should ask for help when you need it, because everyone needs a break and to focus on their own lives sometimes.
Caregiving Is A Part-Time Job
It’s estimated that about ⅓ of caregivers stop working or cut hours to care for their loved ones. Eventually, the caregiver may need to stop working to take care of their family member.
Adult Daughters Provide Most Of The Care
Daughters are indeed the primary caregivers when older adults are living in the home. But the primary caregiver in most situations is the spouse, whether it’s a male or female.
You Have To Be Older To Receive Care
Most of us think if we provide care, it will be for a parent, but this isn’t always the case. For example, you may need to take care of a younger adult who was in an accident or is dealing with PTSD from military deployment.
Whoever the loved one is and the situation, always remember to reach out to others in your community who are caring for similar patients.
Caregivers Shouldn’t Complain
Caregiving is complex, and you shouldn’t feel bad if you share your frustrations and ‘the bad days’ with others sometimes. You can still maintain a positive outlook but don’t dismiss what you’re going through, either.
It can help if you share your experiences with others who are caregiving, too. This offers you a chance to help others, and get the support you need, too.
There’s No Reward For Caregiving
It can be challenging to be a caregiver on some days, and occasionally, you may feel overwhelmed with bathing, dressing, or feeding your loved one.
But providing essential care has its rewards, too. For example, some find the work fulfilling and rewarding because it lets you get closer to them. And you may also find that you get to know your other family members better as you deal together with this challenging time.
Most Americans will need to provide some amount of care to a loved one eventually. If you remember these misconceptions about caregiving, you’ll be better prepared to help your loved one when they need it.
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