The number of people that have taken on the role of spousal caregiver in the United States is growing – of the more than 40 million caregivers nationwide, roughly 22% are the spouses of chronically ill, disabled or aging partners.
Caregiving to a parent is tough, but when it is a husband or wife to whom you vowed “in sickness and in health,” it adds a whole other layer. Just being a caregiver is hard enough, but this type of caregiving can put you to the test as you get older yourself. However, it’s important to find ways to maintain a normal and fulfilled life.
Challenges Faced as a Spousal Caregiver
There are still the usual challenges that come with caregiving responsibilities, but when it’s also your partner that is in need of the care, this change can impact your relationship in a number of ways.
Marital Strain: Marriage isn’t always easy and when you add caregiving responsibilities for your spouse to the mix, the care he or she needs can change the dynamics of and put a strain on the relationship. Although you may face financial burdens, not have as much time together as a couple, struggle to keep up with childcare or housework, or feel frustrated, fatigued or resentful of the loved one in need, an in-home respite caregiver can make a world of difference in balancing these struggles.
Physical and Emotional Issues: Emotional strain can have an undeniable impact on the physical well-being of the spousal caregiver. The feelings of anger, anxiety, sadness, isolation and exhaustion – as well as the guilt for having these feelings – can definitely take its toll. It’s important to recognize the emotional signs of caregiver stress and to seek help or support. The effects of dementia on caregivers, especially, can lead to mood swings, poor sleeping habits, weight loss or gain, argumentative tendencies, irritability, memory problems, headaches and other physical ailments, but FirstLight Home Care experts know how to handle these hurdles and can help you combat them.
Feeling of Loss: Spousal caregivers often report feeling very alone in their roles, despite spending nearly all their time with their significant other. The change in a relationship where you’re no longer partners but, instead, one relies almost entirely on the other, can cause the spousal caregiver to struggle with feelings of great loss, as if they’re suddenly caring for a completely different person. The associated loss of companionship and intimacy can also be devastating. These feelings are lessened when caregivers are involved, as they add an extra layer of support and take some of the pressure off.
How to Defeat Family Caregiver Stress
There are a variety of things you can do as a spousal caregiver to combat the family caregiver stress you are likely to feel while caring for a loved one.
Make sure to carve out time for yourself. Think of the things that bring you the most joy and ensure that you spend time doing them, whether it’s something simple, like reading a book, gardening, taking a bath or baking, or something that requires more effort, like visiting a museum or traveling to a new country. Whatever you choose, be sure that it is something that will leave you feeling refreshed and energized before you step back into your caregiving role.
It should also be a priority to find local services that can help you get the support you need. Whether it’s counseling or even a weekly support group, there are a number of measures you can take to ensure that your role as spousal caregiver doesn’t become overwhelming.
One tool that can be essential for combating stress is turning to local respite care services. This type of assistance can enhance the health and wellbeing of your family by ensuring that you can continue to provide high-quality care for your loved one. Respite care includes a variety of home-based services such as skilled nursing, dementia care, companion care and more.
Turn to Respite Care Today
A FirstLight Home Care professional can help with everything from physical tasks to errands, meal preparation, senior transportation and more. Sometimes this is all the balance you need to have some time for yourself and ensure that you’re in the proper state of mind to care for your spouse.
Our experienced professionals can offer help so that you as a spousal caregiver get the rest and time away that you need. Reach out to inquire about a personalized quote or call 844-879-7300 to talk with your local FirstLight Home Care team about starting respite care today.