When a family member becomes ill, we begin to modify our life to care for them. We make multiple changes regarding our three health factors. And like that we begin to forget what actually matters; which is our health. Our health is not about maintaining a healthy BMI. It’s about making sure you are emotionally and mentally stable to carry the title of a caretaker. In fact, the sacrifices we often make, are not about making changing our life to accommodate our loved one. It is important to take into account the following three health factors: 1. Mental/Emotional, 2. Finance and 3. Physical.
Financial Health Factor
Before making any sudden changes, it is important to see how are your finances. Although, some family members prefer their loved one to be cared for at home. Some are not aware of the financial assistance that are available to make these accommodations. Some of the financial aid are, Medicaid Managed Long Term Services and Support (MLTSS); which provides financial support for in home health care, assisted living, adult foster care home, etc. and the Personal Preference Program (PPP); which provides monthly budgeting for those who qualify for Personal Care Assistant services. In addition to these services, NJ also offers New Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving, Statewide Respite Care Program, among others. These services are important to research because it helps to alleviate financial burden.
Mental and Emotional Health Factor
The second health factor are the changes in your mental and emotional health. Families caring for their loved undergo stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health effects. According to a study conduct by Richard Schulz, PhD and Paula R. Sherwood, PhD, RN, CNRN found that these health effects increase depending on the loved ones impairment. Early signs of mental and emotional decline are: eating or sleeping too much or too little; having low or no energy; feeling helpless, yelling or fighting with family and friends, among others which can be found in the U.S Department of Health & Human Services website.
Maintaining a good mental and emotional health is important. It allows you to better care for your loved ones, and promotes meaningful contributions in those areas that are important to you. Some ways to cope and maintain a positive mental health is by setting a time to make sure you eat and receive enough rest, as well as finding coping outlets such as writing, finding ways to unwind through reading, music, writing, etc.
Physical Health Factor
The last factor to keep in mind is your physical health. As previously mentioned, emotional and mental health causes a great impact on how you care for your loved one, but it also affects your health. Most of the ailments that many family caregivers experience are due to stress many experience with so many changes and little support. According to the American Psychological Association, prolonged stress contributes to an array of pain and discomfort in different parts of your body such as indigestion, bloating, nausea, acid reflux, chronic fatigue, etc. These ailments can be treated with your provider but it is best find ways to alleviate these symptoms for the overall betterment of your health.
Positive Health Factors
Taking care of your loved ones does not have to impact you negatively. There are resources and programs that can help you reduce your worries that will reduce the impact on your three health factors. Taking care of a loved one requires a lot of work and dedication. It is important to know when to devote time to ensure your well-being is taken care of. Because of these needs, we know Home Health Aides are important, not just for the patient but for their family members as well.
At E&S Home Care Solutions we accept a variety of organizations, affiliations, and insurance companies in our network to assist with the pressure of cost. Our Home Health Aides are available to care for your loved one half of the day or 24/7. We seek to accommodate to your preference and availability. Because of this our services are affordable compared to senior home. What is important for us, is to ensure you are able to entrust us with your loved ones. Schedule a FREE virtual consultation to learn more.