Working as a Caregiver

Care giving is a no-win situation for many families and the process is bound to be complicated when there are financial strains as well. Even so, people go to heroic ends to take care of their loved ones. Why become a caregiver to begin with? As a professional in the field of gerontology, this question has always intrigued me. For many, it is a matter of there being no one else to do it. Others find themselves the designated daughter, leaned on by siblings who may or may not be nearby. But, the efforts are not without rewards. Being a caregiver for old persons is not merely easy. Caregivers are very important in the lives of their patients. They (caregivers) assist their patients in the daily activities and help them regain control of their lives, if still possible.
Stress is a normal part in the lives of caregivers. The levels and types of stress experienced vary depending on the type of patient assigned to the caregiver. Caregivers often ignore their own health because they tend to focus their attention to their patient’s health. They also have to endure lack of sleep .Sleep deprivation can add to the caregivers’ stress and fatigue, which can lead to health problems. One of the sacrifices that caregivers have to endure is their lack of time with their families, especially during special occasions, like birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and anniversaries. It is important that caregivers have a support group/system to help them deal with all the stress and problems they are facing.