Fighting Depression in Caregivers

Fighting Depression in Caregivers - AmeriBest Home Care

Caregiving can be tough.
Especially when it’s for your own family member. Because it means seeing someone you love at their weakest and most vulnerable. And that kind of experience can take an emotional toll on even the strongest caregivers amongst us.

Which is why it’s not uncommon for caregivers to become depressed.

So, here are some words of encouragement:

  • To all the caregivers out there: Stay strong. Take care of yourself. You are doing a wonderful thing. And, you are not alone.
  • To all the seniors out there: Aging is hard, but you have so much more to live for. Stay happy for the ones you love.
  • To all the young ones who may one day become a caregiver: There’s no real preparation, except knowing that when the time comes, you can do it. Like many have done before you.

Warning Signs of Depression in Caregivers

Whether you’re a caregiver yourself, a friend of a caregiver, or the one being cared for, it’s good to know the signs of depression. This way, you can recognize the symptoms and get help if need be.

And with that, you can make a positive difference in someone else’s or your own life.
Some depression symptoms to look out for are:

  • Loss of interest
    This could be a loss of interest in people, activities, or things. When caregivers are depressed they tend to lose hope in the world and their life, which in turn causes them to lose interest in doing anything.
  • Insomnia
    Caregivers with depression often have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep at night. Once or twice is okay, but when it happens for consecutive nights over an extended period of time, something might be wrong.
  • Fatigue
    This symptom is more than just not having the energy to do something. It’s a constant state of fatigue and can often be tied with the symptom of loss of interest.
  • Sadness
    This one might be obvious, but it’s still important to take note of. Sadness is one of the main symptoms of depression. This feeling of sadness can also appear as anxious or restless thoughts. And intense loneliness often accompanies them.

What you can do to help with depression?

If you recognize any of these symptoms in a caregiver near you, it may be a good idea to talk to them delicately about what you’re seeing. Before it’s too late.

And, if you’re a caregiver or someone looking to become a caregiver, consider doing your work with a homecare agency.

Caregiving on your own can be difficult.
As social creatures, we need support and encouragement.

Which is why it’s best to get paid for caregiving with an established and reputable homecare agency like AmeriBest. At AmeriBest, we have a close-knit team of nurses, doctors, and medical staff so that you never have to feel alone. We support all our nurses and caregivers. We give you the skills to succeed, and then we give you the emotional support to do it.

Get paid to caregive this month at AmeriBest HomeCare!

Don’t worry. Be happy.

6 Big Benefits of Home Health Care for Seniors

6 Big Benefits of Home Health Care for Seniors - AmeriBest Home Care

The loving comforts of home

Changing environments isn’t just scary, it’s also stressful.
And this stress can actually place negative effects on the body, making it harder to stay healthy and strong. Because, when the body has to exert energy to fight off stress, it doesn’t have the energy to fight off other more serious health hazards.

Environmental strain is a real thing. And, for this reason, many seniors opt to live in the comfort of their own homes with at-home health care. So, they can rest and recuperate to the best of their body’s abilities.

More time with family

At-home care allows seniors to spend more time with their families and friends. When you’re stuck in a hospital all day with strict visiting hours, it can be difficult to spend time with the ones you love. But when you choose home health care, you get to choose who you see and when.

This gives seniors a chance to spend real quality time interacting with others. Which can have a very beneficial effect on their physical health, as well as emotional and psychological.

Versatility

Not only does at-home care let you choose when you see your family and friends, it also lets you choose your doctors.

At home care agencies offer a wide range of services and specialists. Seniors can choose from physical therapists, occupational therapists, registered nurses, medical social workers, and home health aides. And, seniors can create their own schedules, so they’re never stuck living according to someone else’s plan.

Seniors who choose home health care can also get help with daily tasks, transportation, meal prep, and more.

Affordability

If you’ve ever had to stay at a hospital overnight, you know just how expensive nightly visits can be. That’s why so many choose at-home care instead when it comes to the happiness of their wallets. Because, with home health care, you’re not paying for a room and board. You’re simply paying for the services needed. Which can save you a ton.

For seniors looking to hold on to their money, and get the most bang for their buck, at-home care is a great resource.

Better medical attention

At-home care allows seniors to get the individual attention they need to stay at the top of their health game.

Hospitals can be so packed with patients, that they often have trouble giving them all the care they need. But with at-home care, seniors are guaranteed to get all their medical, emotional, and physical requirements met. It’s like the difference between commercial and privately own companies. Often times, the small, family own places give you the better service.

The one-on-one ratio that comes with at-home care can really make a big impact on your senior’s overall health and happiness.

Companionship

Not only do seniors get more social interaction because they are getting extensive one-on-one care, they can also get companionship by hiring a home care volunteer.

Home care agencies offer companions as a way to keep seniors stay mentally aware and emotionally healthy. This way seniors never get lonely and keep their minds sharp.