Strategies for Seeking Assistance as a Caregiver
In the challenging role of a caregiver, it's common to feel overwhelmed, guilty, and embarrassed about asking for help. However, it's essential to remember that you can make it up to family members in the future, and seeking help can help alleviate symptoms of caregiver burnout.
Caregiver burnout is a stage of exhaustion that occurs when a caregiver neglects their own needs to care for someone else. This stage can be prevented by learning how to diagnose it early and by delegating tasks to others before reaching this point.
Emotional factors play a significant role in a caregiver's reluctance to seek help. Caregivers often experience emotional overload, carrying heavy burdens like guilt, anxiety, and resentment, which makes admitting they need assistance difficult. Unrealistic expectations, a strong sense of personal responsibility, and cultural or personal expectations of self-reliance can also contribute to this hesitation.
Practical factors also influence caregivers' decisions. Lack of reliable help from family or professionals, financial strain from medical costs and lost income, and uncertainty about the benefits or appropriateness of outside help can deter caregivers from seeking assistance. In some cases, caregivers may feel uncertain or mistrustful about decision-making, particularly when cultural understanding between care teams and families is limited.
Despite these barriers, caregivers should not feel alone in their journey. If family members are unavailable, community services can be relied upon for assistance. Support groups can provide peace of mind and a sense of community for caregivers, helping them navigate the unique challenges they face.
Communication is key when asking for help. Be clear and direct about your needs, and don't hesitate to seek support from family members, who are likely to be supportive. Case managers should pay attention to how worried caregivers are, as this worry can be a motivation for them to seek help.
Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a step towards maintaining your own health and well-being. By recognising and addressing the emotional, cultural, financial, and systemic barriers that influence caregivers' decisions, we can encourage support use and prevent caregiver burnout.
References:
[1] Family Caregiver Alliance. (2021). Emotional Overload. Retrieved from https://www.caregiver.org/emotional-overload
[2] National Alliance for Caregiving & AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S. 2015. Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/2015/caregiving-in-the-us-2015-report.doi.10.26419-2Fppi.00043.001.pdf
[3] National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Caregiver Health. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiver-health
[4] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Caregiver stress: Taking care of yourself. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/caregiver-stress/art-20048389
- The mental health of caregivers, particularly those caring for individuals with dementia, can be significantly affected due to emotional overload. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a crucial step towards maintaining one's mental health. [1]
- In the field of science, there is a growing body of research focusing on the impact of caregiving on family health and overall health-and-wellness. It's revealed that poor caregiver health can lead to detrimental consequences for both the caregiver and the individual receiving care. [3]
- Parents who find themselves in the role of caregiving, may encounter unique challenges. They must juggle their responsibilities as a caregiver while also ensuring their children's mental health and well-being are supported. It's important for caregiving parents to seek help and resources to sustain their ability to parent effectively. [4]
