Top most challenges often faced by a family caregiver and a hi-tech solution

Recent research by the National Alliance of Caregiving(NAC) has shown that there are nearly 53 million family caregivers who have provided unpaid care to their family members that include both adults and children. 80% of these Americans provide care to adults above 50. The average time they spend per week is ranging between 24 hours a week to 40 on caregiving duty.  Family caregivers are usually involved in tasks above and beyond assisting with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating, but also medical or nursing tasks that are typically performed by a nurse.

The common challenges of a caregiver: 

Family caregiving can be a genuinely rewarding experience but the challenges in it are definitely a subject of discussion. Sometimes it leaves the caregiver overwhelmed and feel intimidated. So let’s understand what are those challenges faced by many caregivers and how support provided by health tech company  WellCare Today LLC is helping caregivers.

#1. Financial Burden:  Caregiving always comes with additional medical expenses. The rising cost of the medical industry leaves the caregivers with additional burdens, especially when caregiving takes them away from a paying job. The longer the time as a caregiver, the higher the financial burden.

#2. Time Management: Caregiving takes a lot of time, often at the expense of personal family time.  

Thus, caregivers end up sacrificing the things they enjoy, like hobbies or vacations. They have trouble balancing work schedules and other social engagements. 

#3. Health Management: Many caregivers face major health challenges as they overlook their fitness activities because of the shortage of time. The physical demands of caregiving when the service includes lifting and helping with mobility can’t be taken lightly. Along with physical health, their emotional health also gets badly affected by extending caring for chronic conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. #4. Privacy Issue: Some caregivers find it difficult to maintain the privacy space if accommodated in a small space. Importantly, they can’t get away with the interruptions that may arise while caregiving.  

#5. Lack of Sleep: Lack of sleep is a daunting issue for a family caregiver because of the odd sleep-wake of the loved ones. Sound sleep for a minimum number of hours is important to maintain good health. But sleep deprivation takes a huge toll on a caregiver who is already feeling the stress of being exhausted.

#6 Limited Socialization: They don’t get much space to socialize and can’t even share quality time with family. They just work to earn and caregiving becomes the priority. They often feel ashamed to ask for help from others as it leaves them with the feeling of being incapable of doing their duties. 

#7 Depression: A caregiver is always under the risk of depression. The crush from all the angels sometimes becomes very very difficult to handle. They don’t even get a small break to focus on their own health or to pursue other interests.

Family caregiving is always difficult yet satisfying as you are taking care of your loved ones. To help the caregivers, WellCare Today LLC has made healthcare easy with assistive technology devices. They have partnered with Samsung to feature their technology in Galaxy 4 LTE Smartwatches with HealthAssist® for remote patient monitoring(RPM). Major benefits of our SOS Smartwatch for a caregiver include one press call to caregiver, one press call to 911, medication reminders, blood oxygen and pressure monitoring, and fall detection etc. For assistance call at 800 635 2720 and make your family caregiving experience comfortable.