The Importance Of Caring For Yourself When Caring For A Disabled Loved One

When you're the sole caregiver of a disabled loved one while also trying to manage a job, family and household, it's easy to get burned out and enormously stressed. Hiring home care assistance can help you prevent this type of burnout or recover from the overwhelming stress you're already feeling. That way, you can continue being there for your loved one while not creating excessive and unhealthy disruption in your own life. 

The Importance of Caring for Yourself

People who try to do too much in a caregiving situation are prone to becoming aggravated, being less effective in general, and even to developing health problems. Having a loved one who is chronically ill or disabled from an injury can be emotionally difficult enough. When you factor in your caregiving duties and everything else you must manage in your daily life, that's a recipe for mental and physical problems. 

Dedicating most of your free time to caregiving can have a negative impact on your relationship with your spouse or partner and your children, as well as on your job and your health. You probably don't get enough sleep, you may not eat properly, and you may force yourself to keep going when you're feeling exhausted.

This situation can also have a negative impact on your relationship with the person you're caring for. You may feel irritated and frustrated, get into arguments with this individual, and feel resentful. They are likely to pick up on your resentment. Both of you may wind up feeling guilty and incapable of knowing how to handle all these issues. 

Hiring Home Care Assistance 

Even if you only have someone come in a limited number of hours per week, this gives you a much-needed break. There are numerous options, depending on the level of disability your loved one deals with. Most commonly, an agency sends a home care aide or nursing assistant for a few hours a day, depending on the type of care your loved one needs. 

This individual can provide companionship, do some light housekeeping, and prepare a meal or two. A nursing assistant can help the person bathe and get dressed, and do tasks such as change bedpans and perform enemas. They can check the person's blood pressure and heart rate, making sure no changes have occurred that call for medical attention.

Contact home care assistance agencies in your area and learn about pricing for various services. Instead of feeling guilty about taking time for yourself, understand that this step is beneficial not only for you but for your loved one. The two of you are likely to get along better when you're not feeling so stressed over the situation. In addition, this person may appreciate the chance to spend time with someone else for a change.