Recent research conducted by the National Alliance for Caregiving in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association studied the experiences of people who acted as an unpaid caregiver to a relative or friend who suffered from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Providing care for a relative or a friend who has dementia is a big responsibility. In the industry, it’s referred to as a high-burden care relationship because of the length of time and the amount of care that is needed.

Negative Health Effects on the Caregiver

Many family caregivers go into caring for their relative with the best of intentions and do not fully realize the toll that this will take on themselves. Almost half of the caregivers who participated in the study found that providing care was emotionally stressful, while 30 percent reported physical strain. Due to the emotional and physical stress, dementia caregivers are at a higher risk of experiencing declines in their own health.

Direct Care Workers Bridge the Gap Between Cared-For and Caregiver Health

About half of dementia caregivers receive some kind of assistance. Hiring help is often crucial for those caregivers who struggle to care for their loved one while still being employed full time. It is also important for caregivers who are suffering from the strain of caring for their loved one. By having access to long-term support, caregivers can restore their own health and enjoy a better quality of life. When in a caregiving role, they can focus more on staying positive. Hiring assistance can also delay entrance into long-term care programs for people with dementia.

Caregivers Employed By Families Are Still Employees

… but scheduling and managing additional support from paid caregivers doesn’t have to be difficult. Direct Care Innovations, LLC (DCI) has the software tools you need to stay in compliance with federal and state regulations. Our modules can also help you verify caregiver visits and travel time to keep your loved one safe.