When we think of caring for an older adult or a person with a disability, we often associate it with paid professional work performed by an assistant or nurse. However, in reality, this isn't always the case.
In most cases, it is the closest relatives who take on the role of caregivers for their parents, children, or relatives who need constant assistance.
Whether out of love, compassion, or obligation, many people become caregivers. And it's a task that, while it should be the responsibility of the entire family, most often falls on just one or a few people in the family unit.
Below, and to support you if you identify with the role of caregiver, we'll tell you what their duties are and why they're important. We'll also help you identify solutions to better care for your health and that of the person you care for.
Why is the role of a caregiver so important?
At Theramart, we value the work of caregivers. We believe their role is fundamental to providing dignity and quality of life to their loved ones . Their dedication and unconditional love grant rights and improve the survival of those in need of assistance.
Furthermore, the caregiver must ensure the adult's safety and be vigilant about preventing any accidents that may occur, which can be very stressful. In this regard, we've prepared an interesting fall prevention guide for you.
Therefore, since their role is so important in a patient's life, we recommend that they dedicate more time to their own rest and mental peace. This way, they can lead a healthier and more active life, even during the most difficult times.
Surveys reveal very interesting data about caregivers
On average , seven caregivers are needed for each adult over 80 years of age so that they are fully cared for, and so that all their caregivers can rest.
This figure not only speaks to the need for care that this population segment has, but also to the great pressure that the person who assumes the role of caregiver is under , and who has no possibility of relief, remuneration, or rest.
According to surveys, caregivers for older adults have an average age between 45 and 65 years and are part of the family nucleus .
Studies have shown that caregivers have a 63% higher mortality rate than non-caregivers. Constantly caring for a person and addressing the risks of caring for them creates physical, emotional, and mental pressure that is often unappreciated by society and negatively impacts health.
Caregivers are usually women and not necessarily immediate family members of the patient . Is this perhaps related to an imposed gender role? There are no studies yet to determine this, but it raises questions about why women should "naturally" take on the role of caregiver.
Causes and symptoms of caregiver burnout
It is highly likely that all those who care for a family member full-time experience stress to a greater or lesser extent, depending on the patient's situation.
It's very important to keep in mind that the greater the stress a caregiver experiences, the lower the patient's quality of life. In this regard, a number of studies have shown that burden and stress can be worse in certain situations:
Symptoms of caregiver burnout can manifest both physically and mentally . They may include weight loss, hair loss, depression, medication needs, irritability, and sleep disturbances.
Tips for Caregivers: How to Live Better?
There are several steps a caregiver can begin to take to improve their quality of life and alleviate the stress of routine. Here are a few:
Improve rest
Rest is number one among the most effective tips for preserving a caregiver's health. Getting adequate sleep can significantly improve things .
Poor rest can lead to other ailments and illnesses , such as migraines, bad mood, sadness, physical pain, lack of strength and concentration, and even cardiovascular problems.
Sharing tasks
Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, far from it. To the extent possible, you should talk with your family —children, siblings, grandchildren—and divide up caregiving duties so that it isn't an emotional and physical burden on just one person.
Whenever possible, consider hiring a professional nurse or caregiver to help alleviate the more burdensome tasks, such as hygiene, mobility, and physical activity, for the patient.
Promote independence
If an adult or person with a disability can exercise some autonomy, efforts should be made to encourage it and allow them to continue doing so. It is recommended NOT to burden them with unnecessary work if the person is cooperative , has the strength, motivation, and/or energy.
Make time for yourself, lean on friends
Clearing our heads from time to time is very good for us and shouldn't make us feel guilty. We need to get out of the emotional state where the world falls apart if we're not present , at least for a few minutes a day.
Get help, such as a nurse or a family member. But take some time for yourself, where it's just you and the things you enjoy doing. This doesn't mean you're not responsible or that you love your sick relative any less.
If you enjoy movies, here are eight recommended films you can watch as a caregiver to boost your resilience and feel much better.
It is essential to take care of our health
Taking care of our health is very important when we are a caregiver, especially when we exert force , perform repetitive movements , and even more so if we are also older adults or are not physically fit.
Try to keep your waist and back protected , eat well, exercise, go out with friends, share activities with your partner, and rest.
As we have seen so far, we often read advice on how to care for people , but almost never on how to care for ourselves if we are caring for someone else.
Remember that our physical and emotional integrity is just as important as that of the patient . We must take care of ourselves not only to perform well for our loved ones, but also to be whole and healthy in the future.
We hope all the information we've provided has been helpful. We hope you'll share it with people in a similar situation if you'd like.
Good luck! And thank you for all your effort and dedication.
Estoy cuidando a mi hermana dese hace 7 años por la enfermedad de Alzheimer, soy una mujer de 74 años , es estresante , cansado emocionalmente y físicamente
Cuidarla y ver su deterioro día a día . Hoy día gracias a Dios tengo ayuda de una joven , pero aún así tengo que ayudarla , para mi es difícil , porque hay que hacer mucha fuerza ,
Mi yerno que es médico a veces tiene que Ayudarme con medicamento para mi estado emocional , porque siento no poder más . Esta situación. De cuidar un enfermo como mi hermana es de valientes y yo ya no lo soy además ya estoy próxima A cumplir 75 años y más bien estoy para que me cuiden , no he tenido suerte con las enfermeras que contrate para ayuda , así que decidí con alguien que su ha cuidado enfermos y lo hace bien . I
Buenas noches del cuidado de los adultos mayores lo mejor es pasar de la teoría a la práctica para tener éxito en el cuidado.y el problema es que no todos tienen la actitud, la entrega el amor, la paciencia para está misión .lo que implica su alimentación, higiene medicación . dependiendo de las patologías que se manejan.como la que me tocó . fractura de cadera de segunda vez, Alzheimer Ipertencion.
Creo que debes recurrir a la justicia, por la falta de ayuda o, te moriras antes que tú madre… Lamentablemente hay que ser duros, con los familiares en el cuidado de los mayores. Yo cuido una hermana con capacidades diferentes y, en dos años puedes darte cuenta como te estancas y te baja el agobio lentamente, pero así es la vida a la cual nos comprometemos, por deciciones personales además de la necesidad real de nuestros familiares al ciidado, si bien yo hablo del agobio… es por los cambios de la responsabilidad adquirida, la cual puede ser parte de nuestro karma, de vida, pero se asume.
Buenos tardes… Soy cuidador familiar. Muy importante su escrito. Estoy interesada en toda la información de los productos. Por favor necesito conocer más, precios y dónde es posible conseguir lo que requiero. Gracias
Yaneth
Mi vida cambio abruptamente cuando mi madre de 82 años se fracturo la pierna derecha en dos parte y ese fue el comienzo y en los siguientes 4 meses ya le habían amputado las dos piernas , somos 6 hijos y 5 viven en el mismo lugar que mi madre solo yo vivo en el extranjero y nadie la quiso cuidar, tuve que dejar mi trabajo mi familia y me fui a cuidar de mi madre al 100 % solo mi hermana mayor me ayuda parcialmente pero no diariamente , para mi a sido muy duro y muy estresante yo tengo 55 años mi madre está pasada de peso y el cargarla yo para acostarla sentarla asearla es muy agotador son 24 horas diarias por 7 días hay momentos que siento mucha soledad y que ya no puedo más pero vuelvo a pensar que tengo que poder y aquí estoy y no le fallaré a mi madre