Spouse-Caregiver Burnout: Signs of Stress and How to Cope

Caring for your partner is an act of love, but it’s vital to protect your well-being. Discover practical strategies and resources to manage stress and prioritize your health while providing the care your spouse needs. Recognize the warning signs of spouse-caregiver burnout — and find the support you need.

Spouses are stepping up to provide essential care and it’s a heavy load. There are more than 5.7 million spouses who provide care for their partner in the U.S., and nearly half of them are over the age of 65. Spousal caregiving is often medically intensive and can last for years. At least 29% of spousal caregivers have been providing care for more than five years and 66% receive no outside help, according to the Well Spouse Association.

Common Struggles of Spouse Caregivers

The burden of spousal caregiving is hard work, and it can take a physical, emotional, and financial toll.

• Physical: Caregiving often involves physically demanding tasks such as lifting, bathing, or assisting with mobility. Over time, this can lead to fatigue and even physical injuries. The chronic stress caregivers face increases the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to illness.
• Mental: Even when you are committed to your significant other caregiving can cause your mental health to take a nosedive. It often leads to feelings of guilt, grief, and resentment.
• Financial: Caregivers also take a financial hit, as many of them are forced to reduce work hours or quit their jobs to provide care.

Signs of Caregiver Stress

While it’s only natural to suffer from spouse-caregiver burnout when you’re under stress for an extended time or simply worried about your companion, you need to stay on top of any symptoms to prevent severe burnout. Recognizing these signs early can put you on a path to a brighter future:

• Physical signs: fatigue, headaches, and weakened immune system
• Emotional signs: feelings of guilt, resentment, or hopelessness
• Behavioral signs: withdrawing from friends and activities or losing patience

How to Alleviate Caregiver Burnout

If you can identify with these symptoms, there are steps you can take to manage stress. Make self-care a priority by taking time to rest, exercise, and eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Joining a support group or spending time with treasured friends can help break up the monotony of caregiving and boost your spirit. Some people find success in implementing mindfulness techniques such as journaling or meditating.

Asking for help and taking time for yourself is not a weakness, it’s a necessity. Professional home care can help share the responsibilities of caring for your loved one, reducing both your physical and emotional strain. In addition to providing specialized care that might exceed your expertise, they can enable you to have more time to take care of your personal needs. Professional care ensures consistent, high-quality support for both you and your loved one.

How A Place At Home Can Help

A Place At Home provides in-home senior care and support. Our founders established A Place At Home after experiencing the challenges of caregiving as their own parents aged. They saw that quality, affordable in-home care was hard to find and created the business to help others facing similar challenges.

“The A Place At Home team truly is a team that works together to provide the best care possible for their clients. We have found they are consistent and quick to respond to our questions or concerns. The caregivers have been reliable and compassionate, even willing to learn to knit from my mother,” said Susan of Little Rock, Arkansas.

We offer personalized senior care services to meet your family’s specific needs. Our services include:

• In-home care
• Care coordination
• Specialized care for individuals suffering from conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia
• Guidance on senior living alternatives

Don’t wait to get the support you need. Find a location near you today and let us help you regain balance while caring for your loved one.

Senior Care Plan: A Comprehensive Guide on How to Start

Ensuring your loved ones have compassionate and comprehensive care as they age requires an effective senior care plan. Start your care planning journey with our step-by-step guide.

Benefits of a Senior Care Plan

At least 75% of adults age 50-plus want to remain in their homes as they grow older, according to a new study conducted by AARP. Yet, many seniors will need extra services as they age. And many will need to relocate to an assisted living facility or a smaller home that better suits their needs. Although two-thirds of adults would consider downsizing, 73% want to continue to live in their current community.

Having a senior care plan facilitates the well-being of aging individuals and helps give families peace of mind. It gives seniors a voice and enables them to be treated with dignity and respect, improving their quality of life and accommodating their wishes.

A good senior care plan:

• Provides direction: A senior’s care plan outlines their specific circumstances, enabling caregivers, family members, and healthcare providers to work as a team.
• Plans for the future: A comprehensive care plan for the elderly outlines both current and future needs. It enables families to prepare for transitions, such as moving to an assisted living facility or securing in-home care. Having a plan helps alleviate caregiver stress when change occurs.
• Outlines comprehensive care: Caregivers need to focus on the physical, mental, and social needs of their loved ones. A detailed plan covers all the bases, creating a holistic approach to care.
• Streamlines financial planning: Caring for a senior can be costly. It’s crucial to have the resources you need to provide care. A care plan will allow you to create a budget and start exploring funding resources, such as long-term care insurance or Medicaid.
• Improves safety: A care plan takes steps to identify potential risks, such as fall hazards, and it helps maximize independence.
• Offers connections: A care plan can connect seniors and their families to valuable resources, such as home care services, adult day programs, or senior centers, to enrich their lives and foster a better lifestyle.

5 Steps for Developing a Senior Care Plan

Your senior care plan needs to cover daily needs, provide emergency preparation, and outline a communication strategy so nothing falls through the cracks. To create a comprehensive plan, follow these steps:

1. Assess the Senior’s Needs

Start by doing a full assessment. You’ll need to evaluate your senior’s physical, mental, and cognitive health. It’s important to evaluate their social circumstances as well. You’ll need to determine their ability to perform activities of daily living, such as their ability to feed themselves and take care of their personal hygiene. The evaluation also needs to determine their ability to manage their finances, handle meal preparation, and take care of housekeeping.

2. Outline Goals

Take time to set goals to address the senior’s immediate and long-term care needs. Some of the goals might be aging in place, improving health, or providing relief for family caregivers.

3. Identify Support Services

After your senior is thoroughly assessed, you’ll be able to start determining the types of support that would be beneficial. These services can be customized to meet their individual needs. Your senior may need medication management or help with meal preparation and grocery shopping. They may benefit from companion services to prevent loneliness and isolation.

4. Evaluate Finances

It’s important to develop a plan that meets the needs of your senior without causing undue stress on their finances. The median cost of an assisted living facility is $5,511 per month, which may be out of reach for many families. As part of your care plan, you’ll need to conduct a comprehensive financial evaluation to determine how you allocate resources effectively. Creating a budget is an important component of this step.

5. Build a Care Team

The strain of caregiving can be detrimental to a person’s physical health. The isolation that comes with caregiving makes spousal caregivers prone to depression. The stress from caring for a loved one puts caregivers at a higher risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Elderly spousal caregivers have a 63% higher mortality rate than non-caregivers.

To prevent caregiver burnout, make caregiving a team effort. A care plan should identify a care team responsible for providing support. The team needs to include medical professionals, family members, and others, such as home care providers, financial advisors, and pharmacists.

How A Place At Home Helps

A Place At Home provides in-home senior care and support. No matter the situation, we can connect you with the resources you need to care for your loved ones. We provide everything from 24/7 care to non-medical in-home care services. There is no one-size-fits-all strategy. We can create a care coordination plan that fits your budget.

Our care coordination services guide families through the complex healthcare system, offering vital support for seniors and their loved ones. We partner with families to create comprehensive, professional care plans tailored to the unique needs of elderly individuals. Our collaborative strategy ensures seniors receive holistic care. And with a trusted advocate prioritizing their safety and well-being, families can feel confident their loved ones are in good hands.

Let’s Build a Better Plan Together

If you need help navigating care for your loved one, A Place At Home is here to help. We have 34 locations supporting seniors nationwide. For stress-free assurance, contact your local A Place At Home office today.

The CDC reports that one in every four older adults falls every year, resulting in more than 32,000 deaths, making it a public health concern. Likely, your loved one’s home is not ready for them to age in, as the U.S. Census Bureau finds that only 10% of homes are prepared to accommodate the older population’s needs.

Learn the eight most crucial home modifications for seniors, allowing them to age in place — including kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom home accessibility ideas.

Essential Aging-in-Place Home Modifications for Seniors

Consider the following home modifications to help your loved one remain safe:

1. Widen doorways: If your loved one uses a walker or wheelchair, doorways need widening to accommodate them. Doing so allows your loved one to move throughout their home independently.
2. Install grab bars and handrails: In areas like the bathroom and along staircases, grab bars and handrails provide necessary support for seniors prone to falls.
3. Modify the bathroom: Studies show that most injuries that happen in the bathroom are from using the shower or bathtub. So, some aging-in-place bathroom ideas include installing a walk-in shower, a higher toilet seat, and non-slip flooring to prevent bathroom-related accidents.
4. Improve lighting: Adequate lighting can help your loved one see what’s on the floor around them, preventing them from tripping. Check to see that all areas of the home, especially hallways and staircases, are well-lit.
5. Remove tripping hazards: Secure or remove loose rugs and ensure that electrical cords are out of the way to reduce the risk of tripping. Long, shaggy rugs or carpeting can be a hazard, but so can hardwood because it can become slippery. Remove unsafe carpets and use traction tape on slippery hardwood floors to minimize fall risks.
6. Adjust kitchen layout: Lowering countertops and cabinets can make the kitchen more accessible for seniors who use wheelchairs or have difficulty reaching high places.
7. Install ramps: Steps are among the most common fall areas for seniors. Replacing steps with ramps at entryways makes it easier for seniors with mobility issues to enter and exit the home. Also, moving their bedroom to the main floor so they don’t need to climb stairways frequently can decrease the chance of falling.
8. Lever handles: Replace doorknobs with lever handles, which are easier to use for those with limited hand dexterity.

These aging-in-place home modifications for seniors don’t have to compromise the aesthetics of your loved one’s home. Choose changes that blend seamlessly with the home’s existing decor. For example, grab bars now come in various styles and finishes that can complement the bathroom’s design. Similarly, ramps can match your home’s exterior, and finishing on lever handles can fit the overall style of your doors and cabinets.

Beyond Home Modifications for Seniors

Creating a home environment that supports the unique needs of older adults involves more than just physical modifications. It’s about creating a space that promotes independence, is easy to navigate, and is comfortable to live in. Ensure that the living space is clutter-free, maintain a comfortable temperature, and consider smart home devices for help with daily tasks.

You and your loved one can also do several things to prevent falls besides making modifications in their home. Contact a doctor if you notice your loved one becoming more unsteady on their feet. Some medications can make seniors sleepy or dizzy, causing instability. A doctor could also prescribe physical therapy to help improve their balance and build their strength to avoid falling. Encourage them to exercise more if they can because that will also strengthen their legs and decrease their fall risk.

Consider the type of footwear your loved one is wearing. Seniors should wear low-heeled shoes with slip-resistant soles, not only outside their homes but inside as well. The National Council of Aging finds that shoes without laces, straps, or buckles also increase fall risk.

How A Place At Home Can Help

You don’t have to make these changes all on your own. A Place At Home can help determine the necessary adjustments that need to be completed for your loved one’s safety.

But even with the best modifications, you might find that your loved one needs additional support. In-home senior care services, like those provided by A Place At Home, offer the extra help your senior needs to thrive while aging in place. From personal care to companionship and even help with household tasks, our in-home care professionals can help ensure your loved one is safe, healthy, and happy in their modified home. Find a location near you and connect with us to get started.

There’s a lot to prepare for when you begin taking care of elderly parents at home. Here are our best tips to set yourself up for success.

1. Understand Your Parents’ Needs

Before taking care of your elderly loved ones at home, it’s important to assess your parents’ health and daily living needs. Review their medical conditions, mobility issues, dietary needs, and daily routines. Consider questions such as whether they’re relatively independent or require help with activities like bathing, eating, or getting around? Knowing this information will help you plan better for their care and create a supportive environment that fits their needs.

2. Create a Safe and Accessible Environment

Modify your home to make it safe and accessible. Consider installing grab bars in the bathroom, securing loose rugs to prevent trips, and rearranging furniture to create clear walking paths. Remember, a well-organized space isn’t just about safety; it’s about creating a welcoming environment in which your loved one is comfortable.

3. Organize Medical Information

Keep a record of all medical information, including doctor’s contacts, medication schedules, and any important health history. This information is crucial for emergencies and regular check-ups.

4. Set a Daily Routine

Building a daily routine can provide stability and comfort for your elderly parents. A study published in the National Library of Medicine finds it reduces seniors’ anxiety and stress levels. Schedule regular times for meals, medications, activities, social interaction, and rest.

5. Encourage Physical Activity

Depending on their ability, encourage your parents to engage in physical activity. This could be light exercises, walks, or even physical therapy prescribed by their doctor.

6. Foster Social Connections

Social interaction is vital for the mental health of older adults. A Penn State study shows that seniors who have more pleasant social interactions have better cognitive performance surrounding those interactions. Encourage visits from friends and family or help them connect with others through community groups or online platforms.

7. Financial Planning

Taking care of elderly parents at home often comes with financial implications. Create a budget that includes their medical expenses, caregiving supplies, and any home modifications. To ease the financial burden, consider insurance options, government assistance programs, and possible tax deductions. BenefitsCheckup by the National Council on Aging is a great resource to connect you with programs that can help pay for your loved one’s needs.

8. Use Technology and Resources

Technology is ever-changing and can help you when caring for older adults. The help medical alert systems, video monitors, medication dispensing devices, and health tracking apps provide are invaluable. They not only provide safety but also give you peace of mind.

9. Create an Open Line of Communication

Maintain open lines of communication with your parents. Discuss their preferences and listen to their concerns. By doing so, you help them feel respected and involved in their own care. Also, keep in touch with healthcare professionals for regular updates on their health status.

10. Be Patient and Compassionate

You must have patience and compassion when taking care of elderly parents at home. You’ll have challenging days, but empathy and understanding can make a significant difference in your parents’ lives.

11. Take Care of Your Mental Health

Caring for older adults is often emotionally taxing and demands patience, empathy, and resilience. Your health is just as important as your parents’. Prepare yourself mentally for the challenges ahead. Seek support groups or counseling to manage stress and emotions. Make sure to take time for yourself, get enough rest, eat well, engage in activities you enjoy, and seek support when needed.

12. Seek Professional Help When Needed

Understand that sometimes, the care needs may become too demanding for you to handle alone. Whether hiring a part-time caregiver or seeking advice from healthcare professionals, don’t hesitate to contact companies like A Place At Home.

Let A Place At Home Help

Taking care of elderly parents at home is a significant commitment and takes planning, patience, and support. Avoid feeling overwhelmed by connecting with our compassionate care team at A Place At Home. We specialize in private care for the elderly at home, providing personalized aid that respects the dignity and independence of your loved ones. Our team can help create a custom care plan from our wide range of services that are tailored to your family’s needs. Whether it’s helping with daily activities, medical care, or simply companionship, we’re here to support you. Visit our website to find a location near you to learn more about how we can guide you through your parents’ aging journey.

Researching the best hearing aids for seniors? Learn the differences between ITE hearing aids, BTE hearing aids, and ITC hearing aids to pick the best option for you.

Types of Hearing Aids

There are several hearing aids that cater to different preferences and needs. Here are the common types available:

1. In-the-Ear (ITE): These are custom-made to fit entirely inside the outer ear and help those with mild to severe hearing loss. They’re easier to handle and adjust but are more susceptible to earwax clogging. However, they can be more visible than smaller models and may pick up more wind noise.
2. Behind-the-Ear (BTE): This is the most common type of hearing aid. They sit behind or on top of the outer ear with tubing that routes sound into the ear. They’re capable of more amplification and are easier to clean than other styles, but they are also the most visible type of hearing aid.
3. In-the-Canal (ITC): These are custom molded and fit partly in the ear canal, offering a less visible option with easy battery replacement and volume control. However, their smaller size might make them challenging to handle for some seniors, and the smaller batteries mean shorter battery life.
4. Completely-in-Canal (CIC): These are nearly hidden in the ear canal and are for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. CIC hearing aids pick up less wind noise than other hearing aids. They are the least visible type of hearing aid, but because of that, they use very small batteries with a short life.
5. Receiver-in-Canal (RIC): This type is like BTE, but the speaker is inside the ear canal for a more natural sound. The hearing aid has direction microphones and manual control options.

Over the-Counter Hearing Aids

The FDA created an over-the-counter hearing aid category in 2022 that you can buy without a prescription. They’re generally less expensive and are good for those experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss. However, they don’t offer the same level of customization and professional support as traditional hearing aids.

Costs and Considerations

The cost of hearing aids and hearing tests can vary widely based on the type, features, and provider. The expense is typically why people avoid getting hearing aids, and unfortunately, they’re not usually covered by Medicare Parts A and B or private insurance plans. However, Forbes finds that Medicare Part C offers hearing aid benefits. The average cost of a pair of hearing aids ranges from $2,000 to $7,000, according to GoodRx. The tinier and more discreet the hearing aid, the more expensive they typically are.

Over-the-counter hearing aids are generally less expensive but might not meet the needs of all seniors. A good hearing aid is an investment in quality of life, so consider both the price and the value it provides.

Navigating the Options

With so many types of hearing aids and new technologies, it can be overwhelming to make the right choice. First, the Mayo Clinic recommends that your senior see an audiologist to make sure they’re truly experiencing hearing loss, not a correctable issue such as earwax buildup or an infection. Audiologists and hearing care professionals can offer valuable guidance and support and help you understand the specific needs of your senior loved one. They know what the best hearing aids for seniors are and can offer recommendations for the best hearing aids for your loved one based on their lifestyle and degree of hearing loss.

When choosing the specific hearing aid, ask about a trial period so your loved one can ensure it’s perfect. Additionally, make sure the hearing aid can handle an increase in power in case of increased hearing loss.

How A Place At Home Can Help

Using an in-home care provider, like A Place At Home, that offers healthcare navigation services, such as attending doctor’s appointments, is extremely helpful in making care and treatment plan decisions. Our caregivers can go with your loved one to hearing tests, help them manage and take care of their hearing aids, and offer the companionship and support they need to stay socially engaged and mentally stimulated. Find an A Place At Home location near you to get started.

Loneliness is a significant source of suffering and reduced quality of life for adults over 60. Learn the top 8 signs of loneliness in seniors and how to help.

Prevalence of Isolation and Loneliness Among Seniors

Isolation and loneliness are becoming more common among seniors and older adults. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine finds that one in four people over 65 feels socially isolated.

As people age, their social circle shrinks from the loss of friends, family, and mobility. Retirement, the death of a spouse, or moving can further exacerbate loneliness. Consumer Affairs says 14.7 million seniors live alone which also increases loneliness and isolation for seniors.

Emotional and Physical Health Concerns

Loneliness isn’t just a feeling; it can have severe implications for both emotional and physical health. Emotionally, it can lead to depression, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness. Physically, symptoms of loneliness can manifest as sleep disturbances, increased blood pressure, weakened immune system, and a higher risk of heart disease. The CDC finds that social isolation increases the risk of dementia by 50%, heart disease by 29%, and stroke by 32%. In comparison, Consumer Affairs likens the effects of loneliness to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It’s crucial to recognize these signs early to mitigate their impact.

Signs of Senior Isolation

To effectively support your elderly loved one, it’s important to recognize the signs of loneliness. Here are eight symptoms of loneliness:

1. Withdrawal from social activities or hobbies they once enjoyed
2. Neglecting personal hygiene or household maintenance
3. Changes in appetite such as overeating or a decreased appetite
4. Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
5. Expressing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or being a burden
6. Increased irritability or mood swings
7. Increased complaints about aches, pains, or fatigue
8. Substance abuse – The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that about 65% of seniors 65 years and older considered consuming a “high-risk” amount of alcohol in a week.

Proactive Measures to Combat Loneliness

A proactive and compassionate approach is necessary to combat loneliness in seniors. The best way to alleviate the effects of loneliness in older adults is to prevent it from starting. You can do this for your loved one by creating a daily routine that keeps them engaged.

If you’re past the point of prevention, encourage your loved ones to participate in community events, clubs, or religious activities. Regular social engagement can provide a sense of belonging and purpose. Modern technology makes it easier to stay connected. So, teach your loved one how to use video calls, social media, or even texting to keep in touch with friends and family. Visit them regularly, if possible. A consistent presence can significantly affect their overall mood and outlook. Encourage activities for the elderly that are suitable for their mobility level. Exercise can boost mood and create opportunities for social interaction.

Ensuring Social Connection and Mental Stimulation

Maintaining social connections and mental stimulation is vital for seniors facing loneliness. Engaging them in activities for the elderly that they enjoy, encouraging new hobbies, and taking them to community events can offer a sense of purpose and belonging. Simple actions like sharing meals or watching a favorite show together can also promote connection.

How Caregivers Can Help

In-home care providers, such as A Place At Home, can play a crucial role in alleviating loneliness and promoting a sense of belonging. They can provide companionship, help arrange social activities, and offer emotional support. Caregivers can also help identify the early signs of loneliness and take steps to address them before they escalate. They can tailor their care to the unique needs of your loved one, ensuring they are still socially connected and mentally stimulated.

Call A Place At Home for Help

If you’re considering additional support to help combat depression in the elderly, our customized in-home senior care plans at A Place At Home offer the personalized attention and companionship your loved one needs. Our compassionate caregivers are dedicated to ensuring your loved one stays socially connected and mentally stimulated, fostering a sense of belonging and happiness in their lives.

Find a location near you to begin.