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Mental & Physical Effects of Being a Family Carer in Sydney, NSW

6 Physical & Mental Effects of Caring for an Older Parent

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The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates 2.65 million adults provide care for senior loved ones. When surveyed, 70 percent of these individuals said they did so because they felt it was a family responsibility. Others care for their ageing loved ones to save money or because of a lack of resources. No matter the reasons, being a family carer can take a serious toll, both mentally and physically.

1. Depression

Though being a carer is a loving, compassionate way to give back to your family member, it can be very isolating and lonely. You might not be able to take the time to enjoy hobbies or spend time with friends anymore, which can lead to depression. Talk with a healthcare professional if you think you may be depressed. Signs of depression include feelings of sadness that don’t go away, lack of energy, and unexplained weight gain or loss.

2. Anxiety

Everyone worries about their family members. This is a normal part of loving other people. However, if your worrying is constant, you may have anxiety. Carers have to be constantly on alert and ready to care for their loved ones, which may be one reason carers are more likely to have anxiety than other people. Practice meditation, and take the time to stop and breathe when your thoughts start to get away from you.

Having the help of a professional care worker can relieve a great deal of the stress that comes with caring for an older loved one. Families looking for top-rated at-home care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialised Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.

3. Exhaustion

Many carers report being physically exhausted. Caring for a loved one is a job that must often be done both during the day and at night. If your loved one isn’t sleeping well or needs help at night, you might not be getting the rest you need. Over time, this exhaustion takes a toll, both mentally and physically. Ask a neighbour or family member to take a shift with your loved one so you can rest.

4. Harmful Behaviors

Though there are many healthy ways of handling stress—such as taking a break, talking with someone, and getting exercise—many carers aren’t able to take time for themselves. They may choose to engage in harmful behaviours to relieve their stress instead. Carers are more likely to engage in behaviours such as substance abuse and self-harm than those who don’t provide care for loved ones. Talking with others in a carer support group can relieve this stress and reduce the risk of harmful behaviours. Online carer support is available if you aren’t able to attend meetings in person.

Whether you need respite from your caring duties or your ageing loved one needs live-in care, Sydney, NSW, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated care workers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home.

5. Heart Disease

Lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet, and stress can all lead to cardiovascular disease. Heart disease is more likely to occur among carers. The stress of caring for a loved one and the time it takes often leave little time for exercise and healthy eating habits, which could eventually cause high blood pressure and heart disease. Meal planning can help carers develop healthier eating habits that decrease their risk of obesity and heart disease.

6. Physical Strain

Many carers strain muscles or harm their backs while caring for their loved ones. Seniors often lose some of their mobility due to injury, disease, or medication side effects. This loss of mobility means carers are often responsible for assisting their loved ones into bathtubs, wheelchairs, and beds, which can cause physical injuries and strain. Rest and over-the-counter medications can help with muscle pain and soreness.

A trained care worker can be a wonderful source of information and support for you and your family. When searching for reliable Sydney home care service agencies, families want to know their senior loved one will be well taken care of. At Home Care Assistance, our expertly trained care workers are available around the clock to assist with tasks around the house, provide transportation to medical appointments and social events, and much more. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at [hca_phone] to schedule a free in-home consultation.

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Home Care Assistance Sydney City and East can help. Call Our Local Team today for your complimentary in-home assessment.

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Contact the team at Home Care Assistance Sydney City and East anytime
(02) 9158 3880 or by email at infosydeast@homecareassistance.com

Very happy with this Company looking after my Home Care Package. Very friendly staff and always available to arrange things. Also the home care and help in garden is excellent and I couldn't do... without them.read more
This is the best home care company in Australia !
As a former employee of this company working in the office and as a Carer, I cannot recommend this company enough. They genuinely care for their clients and employees. I loved working there with... Jeremy and his staff, but unfortunately had to leave due to relocation. I would not hesitate to recommend HCA Syd East to all clients who are aged and/or with disabilities to engage this service provider for all their vital services to enable you to live and enjoy staying in your own home and to be as independent as possible. Jeremy and his staff really listen to your needs, goals and aspirations and do their very best to match you up with a compatible and suitably qualified Carer. Nothing is too much trouble.read more
Great team
As We are the Family With kid experienced to stay by this agent, I can not recommend this company enough. They genuinely care for their clients, whenever I asked for help a person I contact with... always try her best to help that I most thankful for her.read more
Jeremy is a really good man, he has fantastic family values and cares for everyone. I would definitely recommend Health Care Assistance to help you and your family
Home Care Assistance run by Jeremy and Samantha, a lovely couple with a caring attitude and a family themselves. After bringing my Mum to Sydney and needing expert help immediately I found HCA online... and liked their story. As soon as they walked in our door, we knew we were safe. I liked the fact that there was direct contact with the owners and nothing was too much trouble. The carers selected for Mum were perfect for her and very capable. Unfortunately Mum has had to move to a nursing home now but I would happily recommend this wonderful business to anyone with aged care needs.read more