How Family Caregivers Benefit From Adult Sitter Services

Many senior caregivers don't work for professional services; rather they are the family members of the person that needs help. Often, family caregivers work without financial compensation, taking on the roll without realizing the sacrifices they will need to make as they care for their loved one.

Despite the rewards of the work, many caregivers struggle with the responsibility of taking care of someone full time. It's not always possible to find other family members to help with the tasks. Many caregivers have their own careers, family, and even health problems to manage as they care for someone else. The best solution for many is to hire the services of an adult sitter.

Adult sitters supply non-medical services to their clients. A sitter helps with the housework, transports clients to appointments or activities, and acts as a companion to the individual in their care. The tasks vary based on what the client needs as well as the time of day they arrive. Overnight sitters are often only a backup in case of an emergency during the night, for example.

Industry experts estimate that family caregivers dedicate about 20 hours per week on average to the task of caring for their loved one. The average family caregiver is more likely to be female and about 48 years old. Many of these individuals scale-back the time they spend at work, and some may need to quit a job they enjoy for a position with more flexible hours.

A study performed by MetLife discovered that women that care for their elderly loved ones give up promotions and opportunities. The researchers estimated that women sacrificed an average of about $324,000 in income and benefits, like pensions and Social Security earnings, due to their caregiver role.

Of course, it is not only women that offer care to their aging parents and other relatives. Men that take on these responsibilities lost approximately $284,000 in current earnings and future pensions.

Adult sitter services enable caregivers to refocus on their careers in the same way babysitters enable parents to work. Sitters keep seniors safe and happy while the family caregiver earns the income needed to contribute to their own home life.

Caregiver burnout exists, and it can strike even the most energetic and optimistic people. The emotional strain of watching a beloved family member grow frail and more dependent takes a toll. People become isolated as they lose touch with friends and scale back their social activities due to their busy schedules.

Caregivers often delay or give up on their goals to go back to school, to move, or to travel. Sometimes romantic relationships experience strain due to the exhaustion caregivers experience. Lifestyle changes can lead to depression or cause health-related concerns.

Signs of burnout include sleep disturbances, extreme fatigue and irritability, and muddled thinking. Caregivers may no longer have the energy for activities they once enjoyed, and some begin unhealthy habits like eating a poor diet or turn to drugs or alcohol for relief. Resentment towards their loved one, as well as other non-contributing family members, can occur.

A sitter can ensure that the caregiver never has to cancel a date or put off an appointment at a salon or with a doctor. Time off without any worry allows people to relax and rejuvenate. The caregiver returns happy and refreshed so they enjoy the time they spend with their loved one.

Families can use the services of sitters alone or along with the medical help they receive from a home health care provider. At A Visiting Redi Nurse, we offer medical and non-medical aid, so the client has the care they need and want. Contact us to learn more about how our professionals can help you.