Toronto Caregivers Feel The Stress Of Caring For Senior Loved Ones

Senior Caregivers  |  November 30, 2015

Taking care of a senior or elderly loved one, especially if that loved one is in poor health, can put a tremendous amount of stress on non-paid caregivers such as family and close friends. In fact, a report last month by British Columbia’s Seniors Advocate found unpaid caregivers in “that province {Ontario} were in distress, providing an average of 30 hours of support each week.”1 It is no wonder that with taking care of a loved one in addition to work and family obligations, caregivers are often overwhelmed and overworked.

Elder Caregiver Stress: More Common Than Not

A recent study by Health Quality Ontario found that “almost all long-term home-care patients in the province rely on the help of family and friends for emotional comfort, as well as for routine tasks such as grocery shopping, transportation, managing medication and personal care.”¹

As the population grows older (Canada’s 65+ population now outnumbers the 15 and under demographic) loved ones are increasingly caring for seniors and the elderly. Caregiver stress is so commonplace that blogs, articles, forums, and dedicated websites are popping up all over the internet. Sites like womenshealth.gov, agingcare.com, and aarp.org are addressing the needs of burned out caregivers.

Caring For Senior Parents: Reducing Caregiver Stress

Caregiver stress and burnout shows up in many forms: depression, anxiety, anger, insomnia, exhaustion, just to name a few. How do you counterbalance these negative effects? The solutions range from small adjustments such as making lists, setting realistic goals, saying “no” and prioritizing to hiring outside help. As a loved one’s needs and demands increase, in-home health care providers like Comfort Keepers Of Canada® provide the extra support needed to get through more stressful times. At home care allows primary caregivers to take a break and lessen their caregiving workload by providing a range of services.

Common services provided in-home senior caregiving companies:

• Personal Care (Grooming, Medication Reminders, etc.)
• Respite Care
• End of Life Care
• Nursing Services
• Hospital to Home Transitioning

By bringing in outside help, caregivers can take a step back knowing their loved one is in good hands. In-home care companies like Comfort Keepers® are great options for caregivers needing extra support to ease the stress related to caring for a senior or elderly loved one.

For additional information on Comfort Keepers of Canada® at Toronto or any other Comfort Keepers of Canada® location please visit our home page or call us at 416-663-2930.

¹Church, Elizabeth. “Ontario Families Feel Toll of Caring for Ailing, Elderly Relatives: Study.” The Globe and Mail. The Globe and Mail, 13 Oct. 2015. Web. 16 Nov. 2015.

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