Most of us are living our lives without thinking about what might happen to us. We are human, and as such, we are exposed to events that might render us unable to care for ourselves. These events could include many things, and they vary from a car accident to severe diseases such as multiple sclerosis, to Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, all the way up to a disability such as cerebral palsy. Or, in the end, it comes from something simple – such as old age.
So the possibility is real that, at a point in time, one of our family members – a parent, grandparent, sibling, child, or a spouse – will become an individual that needs help. As a result of that, you would probably become a family caregiver, ready to face a number of caregiver challenges.
Looking at the issue from the surface, it doesn’t seem as serious. Many family caregivers will tell you that they are satisfied with this role, and that they find a pure joy in being a caregiver. Providing care for someone who did the same for you throughout life is a privilege.
Source: www.aarp.org
But, it is hard none the less. It requires your full commitment, and in the end, it can be devastatingly heartbreaking. Problems arise when an individual is facing all the issues on their own. This hard work of caregiving often doesn’t find support in the local community or the government. And when you are finally a caregiver, you will start seeing things that earlier passed unnoticed by you. Actually, they will happen to you more often.
Yes, the job can become harder than you expected. With time, it will always grow harder rather than becoming easier. Below we have listed:
5 Caregiver Challenges You Will Normally Face
- The work is physically demanding. Get used to it, fast!
- Expenses. The caregiving is much more expensive than you ever expected it to be.
- The health system is not favorable towards family caregivers.
- You will need caregiving training.
- You will need to learn how to cope with the fact that your work won’t get outsiders’ help nor recognition.
Featured Image Source: alzheimerscareresourcecenter.com
