Caregiving Challenges: When Your Care is met with Resistance

Being a caregiver of a loved one is no doubt rewarding, but it also comes wither numerous challenges. There are many who become caregivers of parents or someone whom they love. While the scales of rewards are heavy, the challenges are definitely there. One thing you need to be prepared of is that there are going to be difficulties just as in any other endeavor, but do not let them lead you to give up.

Although life is full of challenges, the caregiver can face some stiff ones during the caregiving time.  Here are some major challenges faced by caregivers.

Time management: Time is something the caregiver needs to have in plenty. Caregiving involves time and lots of it. This means that as a caregiver, you may end up spending less time with your family or your friends. As a result, caregivers have less time for other family members and themselves. Studies conducted by caregiving research institutions say that caregivers have reported that due to their duties, they have had to sacrifice on a lot of things - vacations, hobbies, parties or other activities.

Balancing responsibilities: Caregiving responsibilities can often hinder your daily work routines. Balancing caregiving responsibilities with job requirements can be quite a challenge. Common tasks such as calling doctors, interacting with social workers, arranging for the necessary services, scheduling appointments, and so on, need daytime hours.

Financial requirements: There are costs linked with caregiving. A caregiver definitely needs to open their purse. Studies say that it has been reported that the annual out-of-pocket expenses for caregivers could be around $5,500. Long-distance caregivers may have to spend more – around $8,700 per year.

Stress: Caregivers need to be able to deal with physical as well as mental stress. This is especially true for those providing intense care and for long periods. For such caregivers, the stress tolls can be heavy and may also lead to health problems, frustration, melancholy, and exhaustion.

Among all these challenges, there one that needs separate mention, and that is Resistance.

If you are a caregiver and your loved one has led a life of independence, you are in for some big challenges. The elderly will be resistant to care and not willing to follow the routine set out for him or her. Dealing with resistance is one thing that every caregiver has to learn. However, all you need to do is understand that there are some basic questions for which you need to find the answers first. Why is the loved one resisting and to what? What is causing the resistance? Answers to these may help you to coax them into cooperation.

Your loved one may be dealing with either physical loss, mental loss, or the loss of independence. Accepting help means encroachment into their privacy and accepting to adjust to new routines. The loved one may also be frightened, feel vulnerable, or feel guilty that they would be a burden to you. Sometimes, they may just feel that accepting help is a sign of weakness and this could cause anger and resistance to care. Or, you loved one may be a victim of mental health disease. 

    The first thing you need to do is build a rapport with the loved one. Start communication with them as you would with a normal person.

    Learn their likes and dislikes and relate them with the need for care

    Check their mood before you start a conversation. If your loved one is relaxed and comfortable, it is likely they will communicate better.

    Ask about their preferences and their views on how important they are in their current phase of life. You may get a clue here that will help you deal with the resistance.

    Talk to your family and get their help, if possible. Family and friends can help in making your loved one accept and be open to help.  

    Do not give up if your loved one does not want to converse with you on the topic as soon as you have brought it up. Give time.. Soon they will communicate openly, but you need to keep trying.

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