10 Facts to Consider About Home Care Assistance

Have you ever stopped to consider what you’ll be taking on if you agree to provide care to an aging parent? Here are 10 facts you need to consider before you agree to become your mom’s caregiver or hire home care assistance providers.

Three Things Top the List of Care Needs

When your parent needs help, there are three things family caregivers report as being the most common. The most common is getting help when standing up from a chair or sofa and when getting out of bed. Bathing and toileting are also at the top of the list.

The Average Duration of Care is Close to Four Years

When providing care for your mom, you have to think about how long she’ll need help. The average is 3.9 years, but diseases like Alzheimer’s could find you helping her out for 10 or more years.

Most Family Caregivers Are Under Retirement Age

The majority of family caregivers are well under the age of retirement. If your mom is between the ages of 50 and 60, it’s likely you’re younger than 40. If your mom is 65 or older, you’re likely in your 40s or 50s. With all of these age groups, you’re going to be balancing a job with your mom’s care. You also may still have children at home.

57% of Family Caregivers Are Helping a Parent

Parents top the list of people family caregivers are helping. More than half of family caregivers help their mom or dad. A spouse or grandparent is the second and third most common at around 10%.

36% of Family Caregivers Experience High Levels of Stress

Around one out of three caregivers feel high levels of stress. Often, this can be linked to not taking enough time for self-care.

30% of Family Caregivers Do Not Have Any Help

Are you an only child? This is just one reason that you may not have any help providing your mom’s care. Your siblings may live too far away to be of any help. Small families are also going to impact how many people are available.

22.3 Is the Average Number of Hours Spent Providing Care Each Week

Caring for your mom may be similar to a part-time job. This is important to remember, especially if you’re balancing her care with a full-time job. You have to consider how much time you have each day.

21% of Family Caregivers Report Feeling Alone

Around one out of five family caregivers feel alone. This is often exacerbated if you have friends who do not understand why you’re unavailable so often.

20% of Family Caregivers Feel Their Health Isn’t Great

One out of five family caregivers cannot rate their physical, mental, or emotional health as being higher than poor or fair. They feel their role is impacting their health, especially if they don’t have anyone to take over while they see their doctor or visit friends.

17% of Family Caregivers Experience Physical Strain

Home Care Assistance Gainesville FL – Tips for Balancing Your Job With Your Dad’s Care Needs

Caregiving is emotionally stressful, but it can also cause physical strain. Your body may not be used to lifting another person’s body weight. Remember that you could cause serious injury if you’re taking on more than your muscles can handle.

There’s a better way to balance your role as a family caregiver with your personal and social needs. Hire home care assistance providers to allow you to take breaks when needed.

Sources: https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/2021/05/caregiving-in-the-united-states-50-plus.doi.10.26419-2Fppi.00103.022.pdf

If you are considering Home Care Assistance Services in Gainesville FL, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts Home Care. Call today: 352-225-3727.