Live-in caregiver for my 91 year old dad and housekeeper - general labor - job employment - craigslist (2024)

FAQs

What should a caregiver not do? ›

Stress – Taking care of a loved one and being responsible for their health can be very stressful. There are a lot of tasks to juggle, from managing medications to helping with getting dressed or bathing. If you're feeling stressed, try to set aside little breaks throughout the day.

Maybe you experience an unexpected change to your health that prevents you from carrying out your responsibilities. Maybe the amount of care your loved one requires is beyond your skill set. Or maybe caregiving is taking such a toll on your mental health that you'd be sacrificing your own wellness by continuing.

Common signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout

You have much less energy than you once had. It seems like you catch every cold or bout of flu that's going around. You're constantly exhausted, even after sleeping or taking a break. You neglect your own needs, either because you're too busy or you don't care anymore.

The role of a caregiver can vary depending on the specific needs of the individual they are caring for. Some caregivers may focus primarily on providing personal care, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, while others may also be responsible for household tasks, including housekeeping and meal preparation.

A new study by Ohio State University in conjunction with the National Institute on Aging has shown that adult children caring for their parents, as well as parents caring for chronically ill children, may have their life span shortened by four to eight years.

Certified nursing assistants have to go through more training than caregivers. Those who aspire to join a CNA program must have a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.

The average age of a family caregiver is 49 — but nearly 10% are seniors themselves. Caregivers over the age of 75 are most likely taking care of a spouse or partner. Caregivers spend an average of 24.4 hours a week providing care, but 23% spend more than 41 hours per week caregiving.

On the one hand, you may feel like you need to put your everyday life on hold indefinitely to care for them. However, this may not be possible or desirable. It can feel like giving up your life to care for an elderly parent is a caring choice. However, balance is key when becoming a caregiver.

Are we obligated to care for elderly parents? ›

In the United States, each state has its laws requiring children to take care of their elderly parents. In 30 states, an adult is liable for their old parents' care after they are unable to care for themselves. However, the statute establishing this filial obligation has never been implemented in 11 of these states.

Sometimes seniors turn on their home caregivers because they are frustrated, whether it's about chronic pain, getting old, having memory issues, losing loved ones, or being unable to take care of their own needs.

Local government agencies often offer programs specifically designed to assist elderly individuals without caregivers. These programs may include financial aid, home-delivered meals, transportation services, and access to healthcare resources.

If a caregiver's physical or emotional health is deteriorating due to the demands of caregiving, it may be time to step back. Preserving the caregiver's health is essential for them to continue playing any role in their parent's life.

Stressed caregivers may experience fatigue, anxiety and depression.