Caregiver Burnout

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In Statistics Canada's most recent look at care giving, it found that 28% of Canadians are caregivers to a loved one. Due to our aging population and other factors. Presently, there are over 6,592,611  seniors in Canada.

The baby boomer generation has arrived. Baby boomers, are those individuals born between 1946 and 1964, are expected to be one of the largest generations of aging population in Canada. As of 2015, millions of baby boomers began hitting 65 years of age, leading off a decades-long trend of many individuals who will need health care and medical assistance with daily living activities.

Due to rising healthcare costs, economics, and the uncertainty of the future of government programs, more seniors are opting to remain in home environments, rather than planning on retirement communities, assisted living facilities, or nursing homes for their care. Covid-19 has made it so difficult to see family and has contributed to depression in our senior population.

Such trends will see more children of aging parents taking care of the elderly within their family units. While doing so is a standard and expected practice in many cultures and families, the burden of caring for an elderly individual also brings with it conflicts, disagreements, and stress.

Numerous studies into the needs of caregivers show that people need a break, both physical and mental, from their duties. Sometimes people have a hard time accepting their limitations. What they don't realize is taking a break is part of their role as a caregiver.  I think many people burn out because there's not the support services they need, they don't know how to access them or they simply do not know the tools to balance their lives.

Children,  or relatives of aging family members who care for an elderly person may soon find themselves overwhelmed with responsibility. Challenges of balancing time between family, work, and an aging parent may create stressful situations and trouble both on the home front, and at work.

Caring for a senior or elderly relative or client at home may be one of the most gratifying and rewarding experiences of a lifetime but is one that may also be filled with frustration, physical and mental exhaustion , and at times, resentment. Understanding the challenges and responsibilities of elder care, learning how to deal with day-to-day challenges and providing a safe and senior-friendly environment to loved ones is essential in the care giving process.

Dealing with difficult siblings, lack of help from other family members, or the financial strain of helping to provide for an aging parent's care at home can be devastating to the family unit.

Compassionate Companion helps lessen the burden by providing a variety of programs and services for elderly people. I visit homes so that caregivers can get out, take a nap, shower or even meditate to feel peace.

 For seniors living alone, services include a visit or help needed in the home. I also run errands, shopping, clean house, prepare meals or aid with appointments. I offer respite for caregivers, but also much more. The services I provide can be invaluable to families who simply do not have the time, energy or resources to help their elderly loved ones as much as they wish.

 Many studies show the value of social interaction in helping improve both physical and mental health of seniors. I offers their relative a safe, structured environment where they are receiving stimulation. I do an evaluation form with their family to make sure that every hour spent is doing what they love.

 I offer crafts, games, music. outings, 

• Conversations to help sharpen memory.
• Creative scrap booking to preserve their memories.
• Walks to maintain exercise.
• Companionship.
• Outings, to keep up socialization.
• Reminiscing about their lives.
• Crafts.
• Mentally stimulating games.
• Emotional support to fight loneliness.
• Reading aloud.
• Accompany to a restaurant for lunch.
• Accompany to religious services, plays or concerts.
• Assistance to home events or happy hour.
• Puzzles.
• Card making.
• Games
• Movies or music.
• Happy hour companionship
• Out patient assistance
• Speak with Dr.'s and report to family
• Clinic visits and blood tests
• Pet care and walking
• Manicures, pedicures and painting nails. (Non diabetic).
• Mediate family conflicts.
• Meal plans for Vegans, Gluten Free, Lectin Free or Dairy free
• Respite care for family caregivers, or just chatting about old times. While it's a great relief to have a family member in care a few days a week, sometimes that isn't enough for a caregiver to recharge . You need a chance to take vacations or visit friends. I offer services to visit with your loved one while you are on vacation reassuring them you will return to be with them soon. This gives the caregiver a chance to get away and know their loved one is safe and entertained.

Seniors also face a variety of issues when it comes to their care, including not wanting family to control over their lives, concerns over burdening children or other family members, as well as the devastating loss of independence. Compassionate Companion addresses these concerns by keeping the senior interested and motivated.

For more information please call Monique at 250 4704044.