Roberta Place Retirement Lodge
Whether it is out of love, out of fear, out of obligation or simply because it feels like the right thing to do, you could be one of more than 40 million adults in North America who is taking care of an elderly loved one. In fact, 70% of family caretakers take care of one person over the age of 65, while 22% help two loved ones and 7% are responsible for three. Not surprisingly, 32% of caregivers have described the situation as stressful. Does this sound familiar to you? This could be a sign of caregiver burnout.
As a result of COVID-19, we are now navigating uncharted territory that has presented us with a host of new health and safety challenges. These hurdles, coupled with increased disruptions to day-to-day life and an elderly loved one’s existing care needs, can come together to create a perfect storm of stress and anxiety, and ultimately put the health of both you and your loved one at risk.
Understanding The Signs
While caregiver burnout can take shape in many different ways, common warning signs include:
- An increase in irritability Lack of energy
- An impatient and argumentative attitude towards those you’re caring for
- A feeling of hopelessness
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Changes in sleep patterns (too little or too much)
- Anxiety about the future
- Headaches, stomachaches and physical pain
- Lowered resistance to illness
While caregiver burnout is detrimental at any time, now more than ever, it is paramount to ensure the health and safety of you and your loved one. Mental, emotional and physical distress will put you at risk for more severe health complications. This is not a risk you can afford to take.
Preventing Caregiver Burnout
- Take Care of Yourself: If you are not taking the time to decompress, eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise, you are compromising your own health and depleting the mental, physical and emotional capacity required to effectively care for your loved one.
- Make A List: Like any group of tasks that need to be done, making a list will help organize your thought process and your day. In addition, you may be able to identify items that you can delegate to family members or friends.
- Consider A Short-Stay Option: At the end of the day, everyone needs a break and if your elderly loved one’s care needs, and the pressure and anxiety associated with them, are too much for the foreseeable future, you can explore options for a short-stay admission. Many facilities offer a variety of different short-stay options that can ensure your loved one’s care needs are being met in a safe and secure environment, while you get the downtime you require. It can also be a great way to test the waters of a retirement community, as it will give your loved one the opportunity to experience day-to-day life in the home.
- Find A Permanent Solution That Benefits Everyone: Having the conversation and moving an elderly loved one can be one of the hardest decisions you will ever have to make, but affording them the opportunity to experience a senior living environment that is equipped to meet their individual care needs and cater to their unique personality and interests is one of the most loving acts you can perform. This will not only improve their overall quality of life by ensuring they are receiving the professional support they need, but will also amplify opportunities for them to pursue new experiences, continue to enjoy the things they love, make new connections and live a worry-free life. In addition, you will have the added benefit of knowing your loved one is living in a safe and secure environment with professional care available 24-hours a day, while you reclaim some of your own time, focus and energy.
Can Roberta Place Retirement Lodge Help You?
At Roberta Place Retirement Lodge, we understand the impact that caregiver burnout can have on you and the relationship you have with your loved one, that’s why we’re here to help in any way we can. In addition to offering a retirement living experience that has been awarded Barrie’s favourite year-after-year, we are also able to explore short-stay accommodations and what that may look like for you and your loved one. Unlike other retirement communities, our Lodge offers its residents the best of both worlds with our “independent-supportive care” approach. This means that our residents enjoy independent living complemented by personalized care services available if and when they are required. Our Wellness Team works directly with you and your loved one to develop a customized care plan that ensures their individual needs are met and that assessments take place on an ongoing basis in the event that anything changes. Along with our 24-hour health monitoring system, an on-site Physician, and a warm and professional team of staff, Roberta Place Retirement Lodge is fully-equipped to care for the unique needs of each resident, while affording you the comfort and peace of mind in knowing your loved one is living a positive and purposeful life.
