Caregivers are often so concerned with caring for their loved one’s needs they lose sight of their own well-being. Statistics show that the number one feeling a caregiver has is sadness or depression due the act of caregiving. Often family members don’t even identify with being a caregiver often saying “I’m not a caregiver because all I do is help with shopping, or laundry.” But you are a caregiver. The definition of a caregiver is “someone who attends to the needs of another individual.”
Caregivers surveyed have expressed the following feelings;
- Trouble focusing.
- Feeling they couldn’t leave loved ones alone.
- Difficulty making decisions.
- Loneliness.
- Upset that their loved one is no longer the person they knew.
- 6. Loss of personal time.
- 7. Lack of sleep.
- 8. Emotional crying spells.
- 9. Strain with family responsibilities.
- 10. Feeling sick, ill. (headaches, stomach problems or common cold).
Family Caregivers Network is licensed by the PA Dept. of Health as a non-medical home care agency serving Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Chester, Lehigh, and Northampton counties. All staff is bonded and insured with specific training to care for your loved one. Owner Gerry Fioriglio RN, a Certified Professional Patient Advocate says “Families need the help of our communities, our state, and our nation to care for aging loved ones. We need to be there for our seniors just like they were there for us. Our advocacy is your strength.”
For more information on the issues of caregiving and to find the help you need contact Family Caregivers Network at 215-541-9030
