As baby boomers are aging into retirement, many are beginning to need more assistance with everyday tasks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 53 million or more than one in five Americans are caregivers for seniors. That number is expected to continue to climb as more seniors require care in the coming years.
This increased need for caregiving primarily falls on family members or close friends. They can provide help with things like shopping, paying bills, bathing, dressing, and managing medications, helping with activities of daily living (or ADLs), and providing emotional support.
Caregivers typically provide unpaid, long-term care and assistance to older adults. They usually learn as they go and aren’t formally trained. In addition:
- 58% of caregivers are women
- 37% are caring for a parent or parent-in-law
- 76% of care recipients are aged 65 years and older
- Almost one-third of caregivers provide care at least 20 hours a week
Taking on the important role of being a caregiver can be very rewarding, but also very stressful. At times it is both physically and emotionally demanding to help someone else while also managing the stresses of daily life. This can lead to caregiver burnout.
Can caregiving become too much?
According to a recent study by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, nearly one in four U.S. caregivers say fulfilling this role has made their own health worse.
It can be hard to play the part of an adult child, friend, support system, and caregiver all at once. You want the best for your loved one and it’s natural to try and provide as much help as you can, but sometimes the care we are able to provide as family and friends isn’t enough. Caregiver burnout is real and it’s okay to ask for help.
Caregiver burnout often results in:
- Higher levels of depression and anxiety
- Worsened self-reported physical health
- Compromised immune function
In addition, caregivers and their families often experience financial strain brought on by lost wages and additional medical expenses.
How can I help my loved one while avoiding burnout?
For many, caring for a loved one is difficult but also fulfilling. It can add value to one’s life to be a source of much-needed support and a shoulder to lean on. Finding ways to help your loved one and help yourself is vital for everyone’s well-being.
Caregivers of Tennessee seniors should remember that it’s just as important to take care of themselves. It’s difficult to be there for others when your own needs are always put on the back burner. A great way to find help and improve both the caregiver and senior’s quality of life is through senior living.
With assisted living services found in communities like Avail Senior Living, Cleveland area seniors and families get much-needed help with everyday tasks like:
- 24-hour support from Cleveland’s top professionals, to third-party partnerships with therapy, pharmacy, and nurse practitioners.
- Activities of daily living assistance, which include grooming, bathing, mobility, and more
- Innovative wellness programs that include chair yoga, tai chi, dance classes, and brain health
- Keeping track of your health, behavior, and more based on your individualized care plan
What other services are available?
At Avail Senior Living, specialized memory care services are also available to help seniors and their families who are living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
With a team that works round-the-clock for residents to experience the best life possible in a secure environment, memory care offers relief for families by providing:
- Mind-healthy and delicious meals
- 24-hour support from carefully selected associates
- Gardening, cooking, and music programs, as well as wellness activities encompassing dance, yoga, sit and stretch, and more
Respite care is also available for seniors and families who need a break. Short-term stays are available in either assisted living or memory care with the most competitive daily rates in Cleveland that are all-inclusive.
Caregivers of Tennessee seniors can rest assured that their loved ones stay active and engaged, no matter what service they choose.
Seniors who live alone are more socially isolated and are at greater risk of developing health conditions like heart disease, cognitive issues, even anxiety, and depression. A thriving senior living community like Avail Senior Living could be the answer your family has been searching for.
With the right kind of assistance, your loved one can enjoy life in Cleveland, TN and you can have the freedom to finally spend more time with them instead of worrying about their care.
As the number of older Americans increases, so will the number of caregivers needed to provide care. The number of people 65 years old and older is expected to double between 2000 and 2030, so it’s essential to make plans now for your family’s future care needs.
Stop worrying about your loved one’s care and find the help your family needs today.
Fight Caregiver Burnout and Find Relief
Let us help your loved one with their care so that you can get back to enjoying time together again. With assisted living, memory care, or respite care services, you’ll find relief. Call us at (423) 505-5998 today to set up a tour of our community.
