You truly cant know what it is like until you are knee-deep in it.
But heres the thing: knowing that Im not alone is what has saved me.
In this piece, well hear from real caregivers about what the experience is like.
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Emotional Challenges
First, lets look at some of the emotional challenges caregivers often experience.
Here are some emotional challenges that many of us can identify with.
Anticipatory grief is especially common when it comes to Alzheimers and other dementias.
Thats because these diseases can take time to unfold.
For some, it’s somewhat a quick journey; for others it’s slow, Fink describes.
Both are horrible in their own ways.
This is often the case when a child has to start caring for their parents.
All of a sudden, you are the parental figure in the relationship.
The impact of these changes can be jarring and hard to reconcile.
She describes how alone she felt while caring for her parents.
Physical Impacts
Caregiving can have profound effects on our bodies and our overall physical well-being.
Here are some examples.
Caring for someone whose mental or physical abilities are declining is often a full-time job, Fink says.
Plus, youre typically balancing this care while working and taking care of your own family.
It becomes overwhelming and nearly impossible to get to the doctor or take preventative steps to stay healthy.
They are lucky that nothing has gotten worse to the point of serious issues.
Mental Health Impacts
Caregiving can have serious impacts on our mental health.
Here, well look at some common mental health challenges caregivers face.
It can make it difficult to have the bandwidth to show up fully in your own life.
Its not uncommon to feelchronic overwhelmand frustration, as well as isolation and sometimes even anger, she says.
Financial Strain
The financial strain of caregiving should not be underestimated.
This amounted to an average of 26% of the caregivers annual income.
Social Isolation
Caregiving can be an extremelyisolating and lonelyexperience.
First of all, theres the caregiving itself, which can make it hard to maintain a social life.
This is one reason caregivers might isolate themselves.
Now the caregiver is isolated because friends and family don’t visit.
It can feel like you’re constantly juggling appointments, long wait times, and paperwork.
This learn as you go approach can feel overwhelming and frustrating.
Reitner suggests creating a care plan along with everyone responsible for caring for your loved one.
This can help you feel less alone.
Importantly, you should not be expected to do this alone.
Support is necessary for caregivers, especially if you are struggling with your mental or physical health.
2020;81(1):107-129. doi:10.1177/0030222818761461
MedlinePlus.Caregiver Health.
