What is Your Biggest Caregiver Struggle?

Being a caregiver is one of the most challenging roles one can take on. It’s a selfless job that requires a lot of patience, dedication, and sacrifice. While caring for a loved one can be rewarding, it can also be emotionally and physically draining. Many caregivers face daily challenges that can take a toll on their mental and physical health. So, what is your biggest caregiver struggle?

Whether you’re caring for a parent, spouse, child, or friend, the responsibilities can be overwhelming. From managing medications to assisting with daily activities, caregiving can be a full-time job that requires a lot of attention and energy. Moreover, the role of a caregiver is often unpaid and undervalued, making it a challenging and isolating experience.

Most folks communicate with us at Help Me Help Momma because they are looking for input or advice above a particular issue.  In this blog, we will explore some of the struggles that caregivers face and how they can cope with the challenges of caring for a loved one. You can head over to this blog to discuss the physical and emotional toll that caregiving can take.

So, if you’re a caregiver or know someone who is, keep reading to learn more about the biggest struggles that caregivers face and how to overcome them. To get your mind juices flowing, here are the top three issues that we have seen from respondents.  You may have a #4 that we will add to the list. 

1) Not enough hours in the day. 

Obviously this issue boils down to time.  Most of the folks that respond to our posts or videos are trying to figure out how best to help their declining parent AND still do everything that they already had on their plate before their parent started declining.  Not an easy task, especially if you have:

1. A family of your own who have lots of ongoing things to do, events to attend and tasks that demand your personal involvement;
2. A demanding job, professional practice or small business that required 40+ hours (on a lightly scheduled week);
3. Other family involvements (such as being responsible for the care of a minor child, grandchild or even special needs child).
4. Heavy involvement in a community or church activity where you can’t just “walk away” without impacting a lot of people;
5. A second business or “side-hustle” that’s requiring a lot of time.    

Believe it or not, we have seen each of these examples and more in real life that consumed a ton of time.

2) Assurance that you are “doing the right thing”. 

This one haunts almost everyone.  After my Mom had a stroke and could no longer offer her input, this one haunted me daily.  When your parents’ life and well-being is literally in your hands, this is a heavy responsibility.  You wonder constantly whether you are doing the right thing. 

You can get various un-informed opinions, random bits of factual input and can read tons of books and articles – but the bottom line is that the decision is on you.  It’s up to you to pull all of this together and make what you hope and pray is the “right decision”.  When you add to this responsibility the other responsibilities that you have (such as the ones listed above) this is a crushing load. 

3) Realization that this is getting you down. 

Adult kids don’t say it in this way because they consider it to be “complaining or wimping out” on a family responsibility.  These kids love their parents to the very core of their soul.  If there were two of them, one would be spending full time with their Mom or Dad. 

But when reality sets in, they’ve got the issues mentioned above to deal with on a daily basis. These issues are real and won’t go away – adult kids are not superhuman, and they can only do what they can do. 

The bottom line is that they are overwhelmed, out-gunned, and realize that they need some help! 

Be Encouraged!

In conclusion, being a caregiver is a noble and rewarding role, but it comes with its own set of challenges. As we have discussed in this blog, the biggest struggles for caregivers are varied and can range from physical exhaustion to emotional burnout and financial strain.

It’s essential for caregivers to recognize and address their struggles proactively. Seeking support from family, friends, and professional resources is crucial for maintaining physical and mental health. Self-care activities such as meditation, exercise, and therapy can also help reduce stress and prevent caregiver burnout.

Furthermore, caregivers must understand that they are not alone in their struggles. There are many resources available to assist and support caregivers, such as respite care, financial assistance, and counseling services. By reaching out for help and utilizing available resources, caregivers can better manage the challenges of caregiving and ensure that they remain healthy and strong.

If you’re a caregiver, remember that it’s okay to ask for help and prioritize your own well-being. You are doing a vital job, and your efforts are deeply appreciated. By taking care of yourself, you can continue to provide the best care for your loved one while maintaining your own health and happiness.

Next Step:  

One source of online assistance is the Help Me Help Momma community on Facebook.  You can go there to find other caregivers who are struggling with the same issues that you are currently faced with.  Many of them have figured out better ways to tackle these challenging issues and are happy to share what has worked with them.  You will find real people there 24X7 who are ready to share input and words of encouragement.  

​In the meantime, let us know your biggest caregiver challenge – what are you struggling with the most now?  Please let us know in the box below. Likewise, please take a couple moments to fill out our short survey quiz. For your time, we will give you a free copy of the new eBook that we’re writing.

Help Build Our Community

Speaking of sharing, please share the link to Caregiver Connection (help.mom/cc) with other families that are working to help their declining parent. Caregiver Connection is our free weekly newsletter that is electronically delivered a few times each week directly to your inbox. Thanks for sharing. And

Thank You for being a Caregiver for Your Loved One –
you are making a huge difference in their life!