Being a Caregiver for Mom Can Take a Toll

You will find, as you support your elderly mother through a variety of health issues, that it’s no easy task. While it may have seemed relatively simple enough at the beginning (check in on her, get some groceries and drop them off, drive her to a doctor’s appointment, etc.), the time commitment is significantly increasing.

Maybe you never considered yourself a caregiver, but that’s precisely what you are. Her expectations may have changed as well over this time. In the beginning, she may have appreciated whatever help you could offer, but now it might be an expectation.

Given enough time, this can place an incredible amount of pressure on that family caregiver. You.

What kind of stress are you under?

You might not feel the same kind of stress as you would if you had lost your job, were unable to pay the rent or mortgage, or otherwise financially strapped. However, stress is stress, no matter what is the cause and how significant it is affecting you.

As a caregiver, stress is a part of life. You simply can’t get around that fact. Even if you have a great relationship with this individual, are more than willing to help out, over time it’s going to place increased pressure on your life.

It could affect your sleep at night, relationships, and even your career. As a caregiver for your elderly mother, eventually that pressure and stress is going to take a toll on you.

How might caregiver stress manifest itself in your life?

Without adequate sleep, you might be unfocused, have an increased risk of safety issues yourself, or even snap at others. You might have a shorter temper now as a result and find yourself losing your cool far more often than is normal.

That stress, prolonged, can lead to serious health issues on top of that. You might have an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, high blood pressure, and the list is long and growing.

The older you are, the more likely caregiver stress is going to impact you in more significant ways. If it takes a toll on you to the point where you simply can’t do the same things you use to, then how beneficial are you going to be as a caregiver moving forward?

The best thing anyone can do is discuss the prospect of hiring home care to help. You can still be a caregiver for your mother, but with a home care aide helping, that can make a world of difference for everyone, including you.

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING CAREGIVERS IN LAS VEGAS, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE OF SUMMERLIN. 702-800-4616.