The Challenges of Family Caregiving

More than 44 million individuals provide care to one or more family members.  Although there have always been caregivers, today’s family members face more struggles than any other time in history.  Seniors are living longer – but unfortunately face more health problems.  A MetLife Juggling Act Study, “Balancing Caregiving with Work and the Costs of Caregiving,”  reports that the majority of caregivers underestimate the time they will spend as family caregivers, thinking it will be two years or less.  The reality is that the average length of time spent providing care is eight years.  Understandably, this affects the caregiver and her family in a variety of negative ways.

Pam Plencer of Johnsburg, Illinois, the primary caregiver for her mother reports, “I’m always tired.  A lot of nights I can’t fall asleep because I’m thinking about the events of the day.”  Pam adds, “Caregiving has probably affected my sleep and my immune system.”  Research proves that Pam is unmistakably correct.  Caregiving is one of the most stressful jobs a person can have – both physically and emotionally.  Without the assistance of a professional caregiver and reliable home care system, many caregivers end up burning out.

The Price to Pay

The family caregiver wears many hats.  She is likely a wife, mother, caretaker and employee.  She may be called upon to act as nurse, teacher, chauffeur and psychologist – all in the space of a single day.  These responsibilities can easily become overwhelming.

According to Suzanne Geffen Mintz, president and co-founder of the National Family Caregivers Association, “One of the biggest problems family caregivers experience is depression.  They have a much higher rate of depression.”  Studies show at least 61 percent of family caregivers suffer from depression. 

The Struggles Caregivers Face

Caregiving is time-consuming as well as emotionally exhausting.  Unless caregivers turn to home care software for help, the struggles only get worse with time.  Research shows that caregivers regularly experience:

·           Increased risk of heart disease and other illnesses

·           Feelings of loneliness and isolation

·           Stress and anxiety

·           Social withdrawal

·           Family arguments

·           Poor secular performance

·           Strained marriages

·           Exhaustion and insomnia

·           Burnout

Experts agree taking time for oneself is essential to maintaining good health, but for family caregivers, spare time is unheard of.  Enter ClearCare’s home care system.  The ground-breaking technology provided by ClearCare is an answer to every caregiver’s prayer.

Working with a reliable agency that provides time-saving home care software gives caregivers time they desperately need.  Family caregivers remain completely involved in their loved one’s care but now there is a balance of care.

Instead of living only for their elderly parents, ClearCare allows family caregivers the freedom to live life.  Depending on sophisticated home care software program gives caregivers the break they’ve been waiting for.