Almost 10% of the worldwide population – 771 million people – is 65 or older; by 2050, the number of older adults jumps to 1.6 billion. As people live longer, the responsibility of caregiving often falls on family members. While this role is vital and fulfilling, it can also be complex and demanding. It includes direct, personal activities like nursing an ill relative and indirect actions, such as cooking and cleaning. International Day of Care and Support on October 29 honors caregiving, whether paid or unpaid, as a crucial part of the economy and future work.
Caregiving challenges and rewards
“Many people know there’s a reasonably high possibility they’ll occupy this job at some point, but they have no idea how profoundly it will affect their lives,” says Richard Schulz, a psychiatrist at the University of Pittsburgh. Care work can bring up a wide range of challenging emotions, such as anger, fear, resentment, guilt, helplessness, and grief. Caregiving is a journey filled with both tough trials and profound rewards.
For those providing care for others, the challenges often include:
· Emotional strain. Caring for someone close to you, particularly a parent, can evoke feelings of stress, guilt, or anxiety. Studies show that approximately 20% of family caregivers experience high levels of emotional distress, which can lead to burnout over time.
· Financial stress. Caregiving can be expensive. From medical expenses to time taken off work, many caregivers find themselves financially strained. The global cost of caregiving has been estimated to be US$ 818 billion, with 40% provided by informal – or unpaid – care.
· Personal life balance. Juggling caregiving with work and personal responsibilities can be overwhelming. Research shows unpaid care work negatively impacts paid work and few employers have carer-friendly workplace policies. The constant demands of caregiving can also lead to sleep deprivation and neglected self-care.
While caregiving comes with challenges, it can also be deeply rewarding. Some of the common rewards include:
· Strengthened relationships. Providing care often deepens the bond between caregiver and loved one. This shared experience creates moments of intimacy and connection. Two-thirds of all caregivers surveyed report feeling closer to their loved one.
· Sense of Purpose. Caregiving can offer a sense of purpose and accomplishment, and research shows caregivers feel a “high purpose-in-life.” Many caregivers feel pride in supporting loved ones, knowing they are making a meaningful impact.
· Skills Development. Managing medical appointments, administering medications, and coordinating care improves critical skills, including communication and organization. Additional transferable skills include leadership and empathy.
How professional home care can help
While family caregiving has its benefits, it’s not always sustainable without support. Professional home care services can provide crucial assistance, offering personalized, dignified care that reduces the burden on families.
Home Care Assistance professional caregivers are trained to provide a wide range of services, including:
· Personal care. Assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. Older adults deserve compassionate, professional assistance while maintaining their dignity.
· Companionship and respite care. Professional caregivers engage clients in meaningful activities while allowing family caregivers to take much-needed breaks for their own well-being.
· Transitional care. Moving from one place to another, like to home after hospitalization or from home to a care facility, can be stressful for all involved. Professional care workers can bring consistency and help determine the next, best care location and assist with planning.
One of the greatest advantages of professional home care is its flexibility. No two caregiving days are alike, as every individual’s needs and preferences vary. Whether it’s assisting with physical therapy exercises, arranging social outings, or coordinating medical appointments, professional caregivers provide a wide variety of services to ensure quality care and independence.
As we approach International Day of Care and Support on October 29, we invite you to contact us about how our professionals can support you and your family. Because we understand the value of all caregiving, we strive to provide exceptional support.
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Sources: United Nations; UN Observances; The Washington Post; BMC Psychiatry; Alzheimer’s Disease International; International Journal of Care and Caring; NIH; AARP; United Healthcare; Forbes;