Family caregiving refers to the type of caregiving wherein the “carer” is a direct relative, a close friend, or such of the person who is suffering from a disease, disability, disorder, and others. The family caregiver is tasked to provide nurturing and support to the vulnerable person without receiving something in return unlike those caregivers who came from caregiving agencies or health institutions. The fruit of the labor is not being paid by money nor material things but it is being returned with the relief that the person is doing fine and the lessons that caregiving has brought to the carer’s life.
Caregiving is job with a lot of twists and turns. It is also a tough career path but all the difficulties definitely mold the person to become stronger and better. Despite all the facts about this art, there are also plenty of misconceptions of caregiving that have been circulating in different platforms. Misconceptions are also called myths. These are the common beliefs of the public about something that do not have a strong basis. Family caregiving has never got the exception for these fallacies. Thus, if you are practicing or about to practice caregiving as a family caregiver, here are some of the myths that you might want to know:
Family caregiving is a piece of cake
Any type of caregiving is not easy. But with family caregiving, people will always think that it is already a piece of cake because of the close ties between the caregiver and the person that needs assistance. The existing connection between the caregiver and the family in need, especially the patient, is not enough reason to brand family caregiving as easy as 123. There are a lot of struggles that are about to emerge and several situations that are about to take place.
Caregiving is both offers heaven and hell. The lessons that the job bring and the bond that caregiving strengthen is the positive side of it. The challenges and the stress, on the other hand, are the factors that make caregiving a difficult craft to delve in. But regardless of the intricateness of this job, the bottom line is family caregiving is NOT a piece of cake or a walk in the park.
Family caregiving is cost-efficient
It has been already stated that family caregivers do not receive salaries. As a result, people and even the immediate family of the person being taken care might think that caregiving is cost-efficient. The truth is, any type of caregiving may it be senior caregiving or family caregiving will always cost you some dime. It is for the fact that both the caregiver and the vulnerable person has personal needs — and even wants. One has to supply them with enough resources in order for both parties to stay healthy and happy.
The person that is being assisted by the carer has a lot of needs. These things that he or she needs are not limited to medicines but also include food, beverages, and gadgets for entertainment. The caregiver also has his or her basic needs that are necessary to be provided, such as food, clothing, and more. The longer the caregiving happens, the bigger the cost will become. That is why the direct family must need to budget and be wise in handling their funds.
Family caregiving is convenient
May people will definitely think that family caregiving is a convenient option since there are no big adjustments to be made. Also, there is no trust to be built because the caregiver is not a stranger. The more one dug into the art of caregiving, the wider his or her understanding becomes. Thus, there is no such thing as convenient when it comes to caregiving, especially family caregiving. There are still adjustments to be made and lives that are about to change.
Imagine being someone’s caregiver without any idea how the job is done? Crazy, isn’t it? The person that is suffering from old age, physical disability, mental disorder, and such already have several needs that are necessary for his or her betterment. Sometimes their needs are more than just the material things for these essentials can also include those that cannot be touched or seen. As a result, the caregiver and the other family members will go into the hole of inconvenience in order to figure out how to satisfy the needs of the vulnerable person.
Family caregiving is not draining
All types of caregiving are draining. The first few months may be the toughest times in caregiving for there are many things to figure out and work on. Family caregivers are not exempted to the frustrations and stress that caregiving brings. There are times that arguments, misunderstandings, and miscommunications will happen between the caregiver and the person that they are taking care of. Thoughts of giving up and other ideas may constantly pop up to their minds as a result.
The more the family caregiver let these arguments crawl into their skins, the more stressed and frustrated they become. The worst case scenarios can be either the family caregiver become depressed or the family will become a mess. That is why it is important to also consider the mental health of the caregiver and also check on them from time to time.
The Damsel’s Files 