You might have started out as a family caregiver with a spring in your step and joy about being able to take on this role. A positive attitude goes a long way toward helping you function well as a caregiver, but it doesn’t take long for exhaustion to kick in if you’re not careful. Feeling fatigued beyond belief might leave you feeling surprised, but you can get your energy back by recognizing these common reasons taking care of your senior loved one is so tiring.
You’re Doing Double Duty
At first glance, it might not seem like much to prepare an extra meal for your loved one or do the grocery shopping. However, all of these extra tasks can add up over time. Taking on a new task here and there eventually leads to you meeting the majority of your loved one’s daily needs. If it feels like you’re doing the work of two people, you probably are. Recruit the help of a professional caregiver to reduce your daily workload.
Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of at-home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
You’re Not Eating Well
Working too much may mean you’re grabbing a quick snack on the go instead of eating lunch. You might also be eating unhealthy foods in an effort to manage stress or save time. Take a look at your diet to determine if you’re meeting your nutritional needs. If not, create a healthy meal plan. Home caregivers can help you plan meals for your loved one that you can share so you’re both more likely to eat well every day.
You’re Not Exercising
Going to the gym might be low on your list of priorities when your loved one needs so much care. Respite care can give family caregivers time to do an hour or so of exercise each day. You can take a walk, head to the gym, or use your home workout equipment. Every little bit counts, since exercise gives you more energy to perform your daily duties.
Professional caregivers can be a wonderful source of information and support for family members caring for aging loved ones. When researching agencies that provide homecare, Reston, VA, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care.
You’re Stressed about Your Loved One’s Health
You’ve taken on a tremendous responsibility, and your loved one’s wellbeing is greatly affected by your ability to provide high-quality care. You might worry about forgetting to remind your loved one to take his or her medications, and this is another area where having a professional caregiver can help.
Mental stress can take a toll on your physical energy levels. Talking to someone about your stress and working on finding ways to relax can help you feel less drained.
You’re Not Sleeping Well
Family caregivers are known for staying up late and waking up early to accomplish everything on their to-do lists. You might also be waking up frequently at all hours of the night to check on your loved one, or you may toss and turn without fully realizing it. The average person needs seven to nine hours of sleep each night. If you aren’t getting that much, you may need to analyze your current routine to see if you need to reach out for help.
Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Reston, VA, Assisting Hands Home Care can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact us today.
