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Is Caregiving Ruining Your Relationships?

When a parent or spouse falls ill, your first instinct is to take care of them. After all, you love them, and you want what’s best for them. But is taking care of their physical, emotional, and financial needs best for you and your relationship?

Cost of Caregiving

Caregiving places financial, emotional, and physical stress on the caregiver.

Financial Impacts of Caregiving

78% of caregivers incur out-of-pocket costs as a result of caregiving, according to a 2016 AARP study.

  • Non-Hispanic and non-black family caregivers spend an average $6,954 in out-of-pocket costs related to caregiving, nearly 20% of their annual income. The percentage is higher for Hispanics/Latinos and African-Americans.
  • Caring for an adult over the age of 50 results in estimated annual out-of-pocket costs of $7,064, compared to $5,721 for under 50. Caring for an adult with dementia costs even more, an estimated $10,697.
  • 45% of family caregivers have cut back on leisure spending, such as eating out or going on vacation, because of caregiving expenses.
  • 1 out of 6 family caregivers have reduced contributions to their retirement savings because of caregiving expenses.

Emotional and Mental Health Impacts of Caregiving

  • 40% to 70% of family caregivers have clinically significant symptoms of depression. Up to 50% of these caregivers meet the diagnostic criteria for major depression.
  • 16% of caregivers feel emotionally strained, and 26% say caregiving is hard on them emotionally.
  • Caregiving may cause a loss of self-identity, lower levels of self-esteem, constant worry, or feelings of uncertainty.
  • Caregivers have higher levels of stress than non-caregivers. Caregivers who experience chronic stress may be at greater risk for cognitive decline including loss in short-term memory, attention and verbal IQ.

Physical Health Impact of Caregiving

  • 11% of family caregivers report that caregiving has caused deterioration in their physical health.
  • 23% of family caregivers (5 years or more) report their health as fair or poor.
  • 72% of family caregivers report they don’t go to the doctor as often as they should.
  • 63% of caregivers report having poor eating habits compared to non-caregivers.
  • 58% of caregivers say they have worse exercise habits than before caregiving responsibilities.
  • Family caregivers experiencing extreme stress age prematurely, subtracting as many as 10 years from their lifespan.

Caregiving Affects Your Relationships

Caregiving affects your relationship with the recipient of care, such as your parent or spouse, but it also affects other relationships. Three-quarters of adults caring for parents surveyed reported strains on their relationships because of caregiving, with 46% saying it damaged their romantic relationships and 25% saying it played a major role in their divorce.

Caregiver burnout describes how a formerly positive relationship with a parent or spouse who needs care may be destroyed by the burden of caregiving. But caregiver burnout not only affects the care recipient; the caregiver may withdraw from relationships with their spouse, children, and friends.

How Do You Prevent Caregiving from Ruining Your Relationships?

Recognize the signs of caregiver stress, which include denial, anger, social withdrawal, anxiety, depression, exhaustion, sleeplessness, irritability, lack of concentration, and health problems.

Follow the expert advice listed in 10 Tips to Reduce Caregiver Stress, which includes:

  1. Accept help.
  2. Prioritize.
  3. Set realistic goals.
  4. Find resources in your community.
  5. Join a support group.
  6. Get social support from family and friends.
  7. Maintain your health.
  8. Use your doctor as a resource.
  9. Make sure you get the appreciation you need.
  10. Take a vacation. Use respite care.

Try a stress-free alternative!

If caring for your aging parent is putting stress on your relationships, why not investigate an option that may turn your relationship with your parent and your entire family around? Assisted Living lets you spend every precious minute enjoying your relationship with your parent, instead of taking care of them.

If your parent lives at The Arbors Assisted Living Residential Communities, no longer will you have to take them to their doctor’s appointment or worry that they’re going to fall and break a hip. Instead, you may become a little worried because they’re not calling you as often. We’ve actually received calls from adult children concerned because their parents were too busy having fun to call.

You won’t have to leave your children’s school performance, because your mom forgot to pick up her prescription at the pharmacy. You won’t have to take off work, because dad fell and is in the emergency room.

Instead, the entire family will be able to spend quality time with your parent or spouse in Assisted Living. You may join them for our nutritious and delicious meals. You may help them garden. You and the grandkids can even reserve a private dining room to make their birthday special.

 

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This checklist will help to make sure you are getting the most out of your visit to The Arbors.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-How to Choose the Right Assisted Living Community: What You Need to Know Before You Begin Your SearchHave you decided that assisted living is the best option for your elderly parent, and now are feeling overwhelmed on how to begin your search for the right community?

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Costs and AffordabilityAre you considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one but are hesitant about the cost? Assisted living costs, services and amenities vary greatly among the last and most expensive communities, and costs are higher in some states than others.

This guide will answer questions you may have about the costs of assisted living and recommend resources to help you pay for it.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Having “The Talk” With Your Parent: It’s Time for Assisted Living
Talking to your aging parent about moving to an assisted living community isn’t easy.

Often, many adult children avoid bringing it up because it can be a sensitive topic.

This guide will provide you with helpful tips and insight on how to have a productive conversation with your parent and siblings regarding your parent’s future.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-The Challenges of Aging: How to Handle Your Aging Parent’s Difficult BehaviorsDifficult behaviors in elderly adults are very common. They may be an expression of frustration your loved one feels or a symptom of early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

This guide will provide you with skills and knowledge on how to handle difficult behaviors your aging parent may be experiencing.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Becoming a Family Caregiver: What You Need to Know Before Deciding to Take Care of a Loved One
Becoming a family caregiver can be a rewarding experience. It also has its challenges.

There are many questions to answer before making the decision to take care of a loved one.

This guide will provide answers to questions you may have on this topic.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Helping Your Parent Manage DepressionIs your parent or loved one depressed, or just in a bad mood?

What does medication and illness have to do with depression?

How can you help? In this guide, you will be provided with answers to the difficult questions you may have about depression.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Is It Depression? A Guide to Identifying and Addressing Depression in Aging AdultsHas your aging parent recently lost interest in activities they used to enjoy? Have you noticed a change in their mood and behavior?

This guide will provide you with resources and tools on how to identify depression, what are the common causes of depression, and how to promote mental health in your aging loved one.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Does your loved one need more support than what they are getting? Would they benefit from some assistance with daily activities?

In this guide, you’ll find answers to the most common questions asked about assisted living.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Why We Chose the Arbors Assisted Living and Memory Care: A Collection of Stories from Residents Living at The ArborsWhere do you start searching for assisted living or memory care communities?

What qualities in a community should you look for? How do you know you made the right decision?


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-7 Warning Signs It’s Time to Make the Move to Assisted Living
Has your dad stopped getting together for lunches or outings with friends or visits with neighbors? Have you stopped enjoying time with your parents because you’re a caregiver?

Choosing an assisted living community is a big decision. Learn how to find the right one for you and your loved one.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Getting Your Affairs in Order
No one ever plans to be sick or disabled, and disasters, man-made or natural, can happen at any time, anywhere.

Yet older adults are among the most vulnerable during a crisis. That’s why it’s critical that seniors, and those who care for them, prepare for emergencies.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Guide to Making the Move to Assisted Living
Moving to assisted living is a life-changing event.

This guide provides tips and ideas on downsizing, what to pack and how to make the transition smooth for your senior parent.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Solutions to Common Caregiving ChallengesIn this eBook, you’ll learn how to talk with family and friends about caregiving challenges, how to deal with a parent who is resistant to help, how to get more caregiving help from your siblings, and how to keep your job while caregiving.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

How Moving My Loved One to The Arbors Eliminated My Caregiving ChallengesHave you had to cut back your hours at work to care for your mom? Are you worried about administering medications or injections?

Have you stopped getting together with friends, either because you don’t have the time or you’re too exhausted? Are you becoming the invisible second patient?


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-When is the Right Time for Memory Care?In this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the early symptoms of dementia; the seven stages of dementia and the symptoms that typically accompany each one; and the signs it’s time to start exploring your memory care options.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-What to Look for in a Memory Care CommunityIn this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between assisted living and memory care, how healthcare professionals are trained in dementia care, common features of a memory care community, and questions you should ask when exploring your memory care options.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-Brothers and Sisters
Navigating adult sibling relationships can be a challenge, but coming together for the sake of your parent is important.

In this guide, you’ll learn about common sibling conflicts that arise when caring for parents, strategies for getting siblings on board, and where to turn to for help.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-The StandoffAssisted living can be a touchy subject. No matter how you approach it, your parent is likely to have objections to something.

As you help them transition to a new stage of life, it helps to be prepared with answers to their questions and concerns.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-11 Most Common Caregiving Challenges
A Guide to the Most Common Family Caregiver Challenges Associated with Caring for an Aging Parent.

You’ll learn about the true costs of being a family caregiver, common family conflicts that can occur when caring for parents, and some of the unexpected challenges of caregiving.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Checklist_ Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Community
This checklist will help to make sure you are getting the most out of your visit to The Arbors.

The list details what important questions to ask during your visit so you are able to make an enlightened choice and find the best assisted living community for your needs.

NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-What is Assisted Living Really LikeIf you’re unsure what Assisted Living looks like in real life, whether there is a difference with nursing homes or a desire to see how community life unfolds, then this guide is exactly what you need.

A guide to discover the Care Team and a Typical Day in Assisted Living.

NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Cost Comparison guide

You’re probably wondering how much the different senior living options compare to your current situation.
If you do, then this guide is exactly what you need.


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