Caregiver Myths You Should Know the Truth About

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

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Caregiver Services in Annandale, VA, please contact the caring staff at BrightHope Home Care and Senior Care today. Call us at 703-595-2878 ~ We serve all of Northern VA.