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Caring for an Elderly Relative Can Be Challenging


Caregiver burnout is a real thing. Experts estimate 61 percent of the country’s 48 million caregivers are working outside jobs along with acting as a caregiver. In a report titled “Working While Caregiving: It’s Complicated,” from AARP and S&P Global, two-thirds of respondents said they had at least some difficulty balancing work and life responsibilities.

The survey reports 84 percent of respondents said caregiving had a moderate or high impact on the stress they feel daily. Another 27 percent of working caregivers said due to their workload “they were forced to go from full-time to part-time work or reduce their hours.” Others complained their employers seemed to be more understanding of child care leave than they were to employees who had to take time off to care for a parent or other elderly family member.

Respondents said beyond holding down a job, they were putting in at least six hour a week of caregiving for a loved one. Tasks include everything from assisting with the actual physical care of a loved one to taking the person to doctor visits, grocery shopping, and serving as an advocate for the person to ensure they are getting the proper care.

Other studies support the findings of the AARP survey as they too found participants reported difficulty in balancing work and caregiving; and the negative impact it can have on physical and mental health. In 2023, a study found almost half of all caregivers were spending between 10 to 29 hours a week caregiving. More concerning is many caregivers are neglecting their own health stating they have no time to exercise and are not keeping up with routine annual physicals and screenings. In fact, forty-one percent of caregivers report low overall well-being, which is 32% more than non-caregivers.

This is why assisted living and memory care communities can be a lifesaver for both the elderly person and the family caregiver. Many communities like MorningStar at River Oaks offer residents much more than just comprehensive physical care. Residents enjoy a whole range of amenities and services as well as the opportunity to make new friends.

Once a family decides to entrust MorningStar at River Oaks with the care of their loved one, we do a thorough evaluation of the person's medical history, background and personal preferences to create a care plan which is routinely updated. Residents receive access to a full-time licensed nurse and a caring, responsive 24-hour staff. Other services include medication management, scheduled transportation and onsite therapeutic services such as physical therapy and occupational therapy. Please contact us for more information about outstanding assisted living in Houston.

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, welcoming atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest senior living Houston has to offer. Please contact our team to inquire about availability, pricing or to set up a tour.

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