Video Transcript
[0:00] Welcome to Caregiver SOS by Bay Alarm Medical. My name is Haley Burress. I’m a caregiving expert here to talk about the ugly side of caregiving that no one talks about — the most frustrating and challenging parts of caring for an aging family member, and how to get through it.
[0:27] Here’s our question today: “I feel like I’m coming to the end of my rope with caring for my dad. When do you say ‘enough is enough’ and stop trying to be everything my aging parent needs?”
[0:32] Hitting the caregiving wall is different for all of us, so this advice is more for you to consider and apply to your specific situation.
[0:44] First, I don’t think you should be everything that your parent needs. It’s too much to put on one person. You can be a primary caregiver, but you still need people around to support you and to support them. This can be other family members, friends, neighbors, or hired caregivers from a home care agency. It can also be enlisting the help of a senior living community or local adult day services program.
[1:04] Next, I think you should try to find that extra support before you hit the wall and get to the end of your rope. Caregiver burnout is real, and it can leave you feeling depressed, exhausted, sick, and unhealthy. If you can find the support you need before you hit that wall, you benefit and so does your dad.
[1:32] There are warning signs that you’re approaching that wall. You’re getting sick more often. You’re dreading visits with your dad. You aren’t sleeping or eating well. You haven’t been out to dinner with your friends for months.
[1:45] Start looking for support when you notice these red flags.
[1:53] Like and subscribe for more caregiving advice.
