The pandemic has made life more challenging for everyone, and especially for family caregivers. Dr. Aaron Blight discusses 4 reasons why caregiving has gotten more difficult during Covid-19. And at the end, we share some articles that help reduce caregiving stress.
A recent survey by the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving revealed that 83% of caregivers are experiencing an increased level of stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
1. Caregiving right now is more stressful because caregivers must worry constantly about COVID-19 infection
As if your loved one’s condition wasn’t bad enough, knowing that COVID-19 is so easily spread and can be fatal forces caregivers to take extreme precautions to protect their loved ones.
Caregivers already reported feelings of loneliness before the pandemic – but now we’re seeing how societal shutdowns can have ripple effects. Caregivers and care receivers are more isolated than ever before.
3. Caregiving right now is more challenging because caregivers have to do more caregiving. COVID-19 adds new care-related tasks for caregivers
As an example, you never had to worry about donning personal protective equipment (PPE), but now you have to find it, get it, and ensure that both you and your loved one properly use it – whenever you need it.
COVID-19 means less respite care for many caregivers because they’re concerned that outsiders will increase their loved one’s risk of exposure to the virus.
4. Caregiving right now is more disquieting because of the countless other effects of COVID-19. The global pandemic has ushered in a year of uncertainty, instability, and change
The normalcy we used to know is gone, and nobody really knows when (or if) things will return to the way they were before.
The virus has produced dramatic changes at all levels of society – from the personal lives of individuals to relationships among the nations.
The unpredictable effects of COVID-19 across the world have elevated our sense of generalized anxiety. If you’re already worried about other things, the uncontrollable ups and downs of caregiving can be even harder to bear.
Here’s to all the caregivers who keep going amid the chaos of COVID-19.
Your labor and continued perseverance are reflections of your strength of character and commitment to your loved one.
Like you, I want to believe that things will get better. Until they do, I hope you find some degree of comfort in knowing that your efforts are still making a difference for your loved one.
Try these stress reduction and coping tips:
- 8 Mental Health Tips for Caregivers During Coronavirus
- 3 Ways to Prevent Caregiver Stress and Burnout
- How to Cope with Compassion Fatigue: 8 Tips for Caregivers
- 4 Sources of Affordable Counseling Services to Reduce Caregiver Stress
Recommended for you:
- Best Way to Make Video Calls to Seniors with Alzheimer’s or Dementia in Nursing Homes
- Medicare Coverage for COVID-19
- Keep Busy At Home During Coronavirus with Crafts, Games, Activities, and More
Guest contributor: Aaron Blight, Ed.D., is an international speaker and consultant on caregiving, aging, and healthcare. He is the Founder of Caregiving Kinetics and has been recognized as a “Top 100 Healthcare Leader” by the International Forum on Advancements in Healthcare.
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