4 Types of Caregiving Challenges
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Most family caregivers don’t do what they do because they think it will be easy or fun; they provide care because of their love for a senior and concern over their health. Caregivers will have an easier time coping with the challenges, if they have an understanding of what to expect.
Physical Challenges
• Caregivers may be responsible for most or all of the light and heavy housework, which can become trying especially when combined with their own responsibilities at home
• Caregivers often need to help seniors with limited mobility, which can involve lifting and moving them. If a caregiver is not physically strong they may injure themselves or the senior
Mental Challenges
The challenges referred to here, are those that a senior’s mental issues may present to a caregiver.
• Caregivers may have to learn new skills to manage medications
• Caregivers often need to take responsibility over a senior’s financing
• Caregivers also need to make adjustments to a home for safety, and plan activities appropriate for the senior
Financial Challenges
• Caregivers may have to take on some form of financial obligation to assist the senior, since often senior’s with health limitations have used a lot of their funds paying for medical costs
• Sometimes caregivers, like their senior, may use a great deal of their savings and financial resources to fund healthcare or other costs related to senior care
Emotional Challenges
• Caregivers may find it difficult to deal with the physical and mental changes that come with a health decline of their beloved family member
• Family caregivers can feel conflicting emotions ranging from affection, frustration, anger, sadness and guilt
• It can also be a big emotional challenge to try and convince a family member to take caregiving help; or deal with the emotions that come with having someone rely on you fully
Source: http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual_ha/sec2/ch15/ch15a.html


