The Importance Of Getting the Assistance You Need As an Adult Guardian
As an adult guardian, it can be easy to neglect your own needs. While you have someone at home or in a facility that you look in on, you may be forgoing the rest, relaxation, and peace that you need. It’s important that you take breaks and seek the assistance you need when you’re an adult guardian.
Additionally, studies show that at-home caregivers are more at risk for depressive symptoms. In fact, approximately 40% to 70% of caregivers display signs of depression. Let’s delve into the importance of getting the help you need as an adult guardian.
You Won’t Have Feelings Of Loneliness
As an adult guardian, it can be easy to feel isolated from the rest of the world. While it appears as if everyone is having a great time and enjoying life, you are in your home with just you and your loved one to administer daily tasks for that family member.
You may be reluctant to contact an elder care service because you don’t want to feel as if you’re giving up on your family member. Nothing could be further from the truth. As an adult guardian, you can certainly care for your loved one, but you also need to feel as if someone is there to help assist you. You’re not alone, and there are agencies standing by ready to assist.
Receive the Help You Need
As an adult guardian, do you sometimes have feelings of anger and resentment? Do you feel that it’s just not fair that you have been saddled with the task of taking care of a loved one who cannot take care of themselves? Then it’s time to reach out and discuss those feelings with someone and get some help.
Sometimes that anger and resentment can turn into depression and guilt. While it may be helpful to schedule some anxiety counseling for yourself, it may also be helpful to connect with professionals in the healthcare industry who can assist with some of the duties that you perform on a regular basis to help your loved one. Many companies even now offer online anxiety counseling. With just a few mouse clicks, you can be connected with a therapist virtually and discuss the feelings that you are having. A healthcare advocate can assist you as well as your loved one with specialized tools that benefit all parties involved in the care of your family member.
Make Healthy Living a Priority
While you may be making life care planning choices for your loved one, you want to ensure that you are taking the time to eat a healthy diet, exercise, and get the sleep that you need. It may be quite difficult to do all of these things as an adult guardian or someone who is an in-home caregiver, but it’s vital. If you are not at your best, then you cannot be a sufficient caregiver for anyone else. So, be sure that you find ways to incorporate some healthful foods and activities into your day. Being an adult guardian is no easy task. Whether your loved one lives with you, in a nursing facility, or even an adult foster care home, being a caregiver is not a simple job.
This where we come in. As your Algonquin, IL healthcare managers, we have the experience to assist you as an adult guardian and the loved one that you care for. Some of our services include healthcare advocacy, guardianship assistance, online anxiety counseling, and more. Connect with us and relieve yourself of some of the burdens that come with being an adult guardian. We’re here to help now.