By Dr. Uchechi Wosu Isirimah – Owner | April 18, 2019
When you first become a family caregiver to an older adult, you may have a lot of misconceptions about what it’s like to be a caregiver. And, as you research your new role, you may run across some myths about being a caregiver. Knowing the truth about common caregiver myths can help you to be better prepared for the future.
Below are some caregiver myths and the facts behind them.
Myth: One Person Should Be Able to Handle Everything
Truth: Being a caregiver can be a full-time job. Some older adults require round-the-clock care because of dementia or a serious illness. If you spend all day every day with your aging relative, you may eventually succumb to caregiver burnout. One way to prevent burnout is to accept help from family members and friends. If you don’t know anyone that can help, contact a home care agency to hire a professional in-home caregiver.
Myth: Medicare Will Pay for Home Care
Truth: Unfortunately, Medicare does not pay for home care services. However, that doesn’t mean home care isn’t a viable option for caregiver help. Home care is often a less expensive option than placing the older adult in a long-term care facility. Plus, it allows them to remain in their home, which is what most seniors want according to a survey conducted by AARP.
Myth: Caregivers Should Keep Their Feelings to Themselves
Truth: It is true that not everyone will understand how you feel about being a caregiver. It’s hard to know what it’s like unless you’ve done it. But, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t talk about how you feel. Keeping those feelings bottled up isn’t good for you. Find a caregiver support group where you can express your feelings without fear of judgement. It will be reassuring to know that you are not alone, and your feelings are not unusual.
Myth: You’re Not a Good Caregiver if the Person Gets Worse
Truth: It can be easy to blame yourself for an older adult’s declining health when you are their primary caregiver. However, many older adults have medical conditions that are progressive, so no matter what you do, they will get worse. Even if the older adult has a condition that can improve, you still cannot stop the aging process. The care you provide can’t stop your loved one from dying, but it does make the time they have left more comfortable and a lot less lonely.
Sources: https://health.usnews.com/health-news/medicare/articles/2018-12-12/7-myths-about-caregiving-costs
https://dailycaring.com/3-common-myths-caregiver-guilt/
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/caregiver-stress-and-burnout.htm/
https://www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare/resources/nursing-home-alternatives.html
https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/about/info-2018/2018-aarp-home-and-community-preferences-survey.html
As a physician who lives and serves in Northern Virginia, I have come to know several people who at some time in their life needed home care services. In my office I hear stories of good and bad experiences and I desired to offer something better – a company that would serve as a blessing to the clients we serve by providing them with reliable, quality, and compassionate care. Having served as a primary care physician, I understand the needs of patients and their family who often times do not have the assistance they desperately need. So I have created a company that delivers on providing peace of mind, recovery time, a lending hand, a stress free environment, and a constant companion.
As a native of the Washington, DC, I have truly enjoyed working in this area and volunteering my time in a variety of social and civic organizations in DC, MD and VA. I feel is it important to give back to your community and be of service to others.
I also believe in the importance of living healthy and having emotional stability and peace of mind. As a local physician and health coach I will add a sense of confidence, trust, and expertise unlike any other home care agency.
I work hard everyday at Brighthope Homecare to do what I do best – care for those in need and make a positive impact in the lives of our clients!
If you want to learn more about how we could be of help to you or your loved one, schedule a meeting, request our portfolio, know our pricing, learn how to become a client, let us know of any suggestions or simply say Hi, please feel free to contact us!
9435 Lorton Market Street,Suite 138,
Lorton, VA 22079
Tel: 703-595-2878 Fax: 571-405-5440
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