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Helping Caregivers of Unwell Family Members

31 December 2023

Caring for an ill family member whose cognitive, emotional, or physical function has changed may be challenging, both logistically and emotionally.

From a logistical standpoint, effectively managing multiple areas can be a complex task. You are probably a grown adult, who is working, and have a family of your own. Adding the care of a sick parent is definitely complicated.

From an emotional perspective, you have to cope with the reality of a parent who was once healthy and independent, the person who cared for you for many years, now requiring your support and care. It can be a difficult experience as you face the prospect of saying goodbye to someone you have known for so long.

This experience is complex in every aspect, and it is vital that you recognize the steps you can take to ease the process:

  • Share the burden with other family members, and if required, hire a paid caregiver
  • Inform your family, friends, and colleagues about the changes in your situation. It is crucial not to carry the burden alone, as sharing the load can open paths for assistance from various sources and provide you with more time to care for your loved one
  • Get help! If you are feeling burnt out or the emotional burden becomes overwhelming, don't hesitate to reach out for professional help. This could involve joining a support group or consulting with healthcare professionals available through local authorities and non-profit organizations
  • Remember to allocate time for breaks only for yourself and also go out and spend time alone and with friends
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, balanced nutrition, physical activity, and sufficient sleep will allow you to function better and for longer.

Occasionally, a family member may exhibit strong functionality in certain areas while experiencing a decline in functioning in others. For instance, an individual who faces challenges with mobility after a fall but exhibits no cognitive impairment, while another person may begin to experience cognitive decline without significant physical changes.

Even if impaired functioning is not pervasive across all areas of life, it can still have an impact on the mood, emotional state, and behavior of the patient, as well as on their family caregiver. Providing support to an individual with declining health is a complex task, emotionally, as well. It is often a familiar person whom you have known in a different state. Whether it is a parent or a spouse, these are individuals who have taken care of themselves and even cared for you throughout their lives, and now they need care.

You have to cope with the emotional burden of a slow parting process from a healthy, independent, and functioning person you have known all your life. Apart from this, there are also logistics and physical difficulties. Often, family caregivers have their own immediate families to attend to, requiring them to juggle multiple responsibilities such as caring for their nuclear family, fulfilling work obligations, and then tending to the needs of a sick parent.

This experience is complex in every aspect. Therefore, it is vital that you recognize the steps you can take to make it easier for yourself and preserve your strength. Maintaining good health and a positive mood will have a beneficial impact on both you and the sick family member you are caring for.

What logistical support can aid you in providing care

Distribute the caregiving responsibilities among yourself, other family members, or hired caregivers, clearly defining each person's specific role and responsibilities. Sharing the caregiving burden as evenly as possible and assigning tasks based on individual strengths can facilitate collective perseverance in treatment. For instance, one family member can handle bureaucratic processes, another can accompany the patient to treatments, and another can assist with household cleaning.

It may be that the patient is eligible for a nursing benefit from the National Insurance Institute. This may allow access to various services, as well as assistance with personal care at home. For further information on nursing benefits from the National Insurance.

Engaging in family discussions about these matters is essential. It will facilitate optimal treatment planning and create opportunities for sharing responsibilities and relieving burdens.

Sharing your situation with your colleagues at work is also advisable. This can provide temporary relief and potentially lead to colleagues temporarily assuming some of your responsibilities. Furthermore, certain workplaces offer support and provisions for families and caregivers.

Taking care of a sick family member can bring about financial challenges. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with your rights as a caregiver, as you may be eligible for certain benefits.

For further information on the rights of family members and caregivers.

What can assist you in maintaining your caregiving role

Caring for yourself is equally important as caring for your family member. It is important to remember that if you are not well and emotionally balanced, you may not be able to provide the best care for your loved one. Therefore, it is crucial that you place a high priority on your self-care.

The following measures will help you maintain your strength:

  • Share the burden: Share the care and supervision with other family members or with paid caregivers
  • Take a break: Rest or go on an independent leisure activity such as watching television or going out on your own. Treat yourself occasionally with a present or an enjoyable entertainment
  • Get help: Get help from support groups or healthcare professionals offering help and emotional support for family caregivers
  • Avoid seclusion: Continue meeting with friends and family, going on trips, and pursuing activities that bring you joy
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Prioritize maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity, and ensuring you get enough restful sleep. Taking care of your body will contribute to the well-being of your spirit.