You want your loved one to be in a familiar environment. However, caregiving takes a massive toll on physical and mental health. Is it time you considered the home care alternative?
Realizing that a family member has Alzheimer’s disease and requires additional care can be a challenge. It can be more difficult if this news comes unexpectedly. Family members may opt to become caregivers if their loved ones are experiencing signs of dementia, like Alzheimer’s. However, those family members often enter this commitment unaware of the strain it may place on their personal lives. Approximately 25 percent of family caregivers tending to loved ones with Alzheimer’s are also caring for underage children. Furthermore, many taking on this role are in the workforce, and that sets forth an additional set of challenges.
The mounting challenges of caregiving
Among family members who provide care for a loved one, 60 percent are also employed. In the future, these people plan to work longer. As a result of these responsibilities, 61 percent of caregivers report making a workplace accommodation. Examples include:
- Going in late
- Leaving early
- Taking a leave of absence
- Turning down a promotion
- Retiring early
Moreover, Caregivers are exposed to heightened health risks, which impact their ability to provide care and perform as an employee. One study found that working family caregivers are 25 percent more likely to be diagnosed with high blood pressure. They are also 50 percent more likely to experience daily physical pain than their colleagues who aren’t also caregivers. The stress of caregiving takes a toll on physical and emotional wellbeing; 19 percent of family caregivers report a high level of physical strain. Additionally, up to 70 percent report symptoms of depression.
The home care solution
In these situations and others, home care services provided by professional home care providers can be of much needed assistance. When making the decision to utilize home care services, family members can rest assured that their loved one’s daily needs are being met while simultaneously having the availability to manage the responsibilities of their own lives. Most importantly, hiring a home care provider allows the individual being cared for to be at home and remain in their community, which can offer a great deal of security to families facing the disease. The sense of connectedness that comes from living at home offers care in a familiar environment and gives those with Alzheimer’s the ability to maintain their daily routines. As a result, this can serve as helpful to their care.
As the voice of home care industry, the Home Care Association of America sets high standards for our member providers who are equipped to care for clients with Alzheimer’s disease.
To learn more about the value of home care or to find a home care provider near you, please visit the HCAOA website at www.hcaoa.org or email [email protected].
