Caregivers can be spouses, partners, parents, adult children, relatives, friends, and even neighbors. They handle a variety of tasks, from driving and housekeeping, to simple companionship — all to make life easier, safer, and more comfortable for the senior or disabled individual. The exact responsibilities of caregivers vary depending on the individual needs and their physical condition.
Duties of Caregivers
Caregivers may offer assistance with the following daily living activities:
- Bathing
- Grooming
- Dressing
- Going to the toilet
- Eating
- Getting in and out of bed
- Walking
Some caregivers may offer significantly more help, such as assistance with taking medications, grocery shopping, cooking, and transportation. While others may provide only basic assistance on a daily basis.
The Challenges of Caregiving
Caregivers may face the following challenges:
- Scheduling conflicts for personal needs
- Sleep deprivation
- Worsening physical and emotional health
- Difficult physical strength demands
- Burnout
- Lack of privacy
- Difficulty establishing personal boundaries
- Difficulty asking for help
- Feelings of guilt and inadequacy
- Isolation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Financial difficulties (if they’re unpaid)
Who Needs Caregiver Support?
Unfortunately, caregivers often assume that there aren’t any resources available to help with these personal tasks. As a result, caregivers struggle with feelings of inadequacy, stress, and burnout. They may have difficulty finding time for themselves and completing their own personal responsibilities.
Family members and friends may step in to provide some assistance, but oftentimes this kind of support is insufficient and caregivers are left to handle everything themselves.
What’s Included In Caregiver Support
Hospice caregiver support is critical because most caregiving is provided by relatives and friends who have little to no experience providing personal or medical care. Though caregiving is a selfless and generous act of service, it can also be exhausting.
Providing care for a loved one with a serious illness is an important role that requires education, guidance, and support. Caregiver support may include:
- Training for practical skills, coping strategies, and self-care techniques
- Emotional support
- Caregiver support groups
- Community resources
- Financial counseling
- Respite care
- Medical training and support
Our team works with caregivers one-on-one to determine what services they need and offer a personalized support plan.
Tips For Healthy Caregiving
To ease the pressure of caregiving, consider the following tips:
- Establish personal boundaries
- Focus on what you’re capable of doing — not perfection
- Find community or join a caregiver support group
- Prioritize self-care
- Communicate your needs to family members
- Inform family members of tasks you need help with
The Benefits of Caregiver Support
Caregiver support offered by Divine Grace Hospice may offer the following benefits:
- Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Greater sense of connectedness with others
- Establishing a sense of empowerment and control
- Obtaining advice or tips for common challenges
- Learning or improving healthy coping strategies
- Developing a stronger understanding of healthy expectations
- Sharpening caregiving skills
- Gaining the ability to offer more efficient and higher quality caregiving
Divine Grace Hospice has a wealth of tips, resources, and programs designed to support and strengthen caregivers. Our team of specialists has helped caregivers develop solutions to challenges and improve their caregiving abilities.