There is both beauty and tragedy in the fact that, for the most part, we tend to fall in love with people our own age. We have the same social memories, the same cultural touchstones, and often the same general values. And there is something sweet about growing old together, seeing the power of aging in each otherβs eyes. The tragedy comes, though, that when one partner most needs help, the other might be suffering as well.
This is a challenge for older couples, especially when one of them needs a caregiver and the other is still relatively healthy. That bond, their love, their life together, often compels the healthy partner to serve as the primary caregiver. After all, who knows their loved one better, and with whom would they feel more comfortable?
But what happens when that responsibility becomes too much for the caregiver? After all, theyβre often outside the prime of their health themselves, love compelling them to take on a heavy burden. If youβre caring for your partner, itβs vitally important to recognize signs that you might be hurting yourself, hurting your loved one, and making it more difficult to get proper care for both of you. Caregivers often need care themselvesβfor the wellbeing of everyone.
The Risks Facing Older Caregivers
About 34% of caregivers in the United States are over 65 years old. Some are caring for an older parent, but most for a spouse. This poses a lot of challenges.
We certainly donβt want to paint with too broad a brush, or assume that if you are over 65 youβre suddenly incapable of providing support to your loved ones. Our aging friends dance and swim, they improve their communities and they take on new adventures every day. Β That said, itβs disingenuous to pretend that older caregivers donβt face risks. Some of the main ones include:
Falling and Other Injuries
We know that older adults are already at a higher risk of falling. Even as a middle-aged adult, I know there have been times when Iβve tried to catch someone whoβs falling, or prop them up when theyβre stumbling, or pick them up after theyβve fallen, and have been caught off guard by their weight. Even 100 pounds can feel quite heavy when it is suddenly pressed on you.
Thatβs why so many older caregivers suffer more of their own falls, not to mention scratches and bruises, either trying to catch their partner, or helping them up. Their physical strength doesnβt always match their will. These can be minor injuries, or they can be serious ones, sometimes even requiring another caregiver. Itβs important for older caregivers to recognize and honor their own limitations. You arenβt doing someone any good when you injure yourself.
Not Taking Care of Your Own Well-Being
Eating right. Sleeping well. Making sure that youβre enjoying life. These are things that are, understandably, put to the side when taking care of a loved one. A UK study showed that a full 75% of caregivers over 65 gave up activities they enjoyed to take care of their loved one. 81% said they felt lonely and isolated. 83% said their role was having a negative impact on their health.
We know that isolation can cause sickness, depression, and even exacerbate dementia, as can not eating or sleeping right. Too often, caring for someone seems to mean neglecting your own basic needs. And thatβs a compounding tragedy.
Financial Troubles
Families where someone has a caregiver role have incomes that are 15% lower than those without (scaled for other factors). 47% of caregivers report that they used up most or all of their savings. And thatβs at any age. So it can be financially difficult to care for an older spouse. The trap, of course, is that many people think itβs cold to consider money, and so, well, donβt.
But it isnβt even just that caregiving is expensive. Many adults neglect taking care of other bills, paying mortgage or rent on time, paying off credit cards simply because their attention is elsewhere. Theyβre so focused on their honorable role as caregiver, that they neglect finances. This can make everyone’s lives considerably more difficult.
Ignoring Illnesses
In the same UK study, we saw some very sobering statistics.
- 86% of caregivers had health problems of their own
- 67% said that it was a result of their role as a caregiver
- 57% had canceled a medical appointment because of their caregiving responsibilities
It should be stressed that the 57% only includes people who bothered to make appointments in the first place. Neglecting your own healthβout of duty, out of denial, or just because you donβt have the timeβis the best way to get sick and hurt yourself. That so many older caregivers feel the need to ignore illness is a sign that priorities regarding health are out of line.
Failure to take care of yourself is noble, and self-sacrificing, but it doesnβt always mean that youβre doing the right thing for your loved one. Itβs important to remember a simple phrase: when you need help, try to find it.
Finding Help for Your Loved One
The most important thing to bear in mind is that thereβs no shame in not being able to do it all alone. It takes a village to care for people. Some are doctors, some are family members, and some are professional or volunteer caregivers. Finding someone to help with the burdens of caregiving through home care and other support services, can protect your health, and theirs, for years to come.
Youβve grown old together. Youβve seen that flush of youth turn into the wisdom of age, and have held each otherβs hands through many years and through the slow-motion miracle of our transforming lives. Now that youβve entered another stage, donβt think of it as a failure if you need help. It isnβt. Youβre providing an amazing service in helping your loved one age at home with the maximum respect and dignity they deserve. There should be a shoulder on which you can rest your cares, ease your fears, and sigh into when you need it.
Institute on Aging offers a wide range of programs, services, and online resources to help older adults and their caregivers live independently, with dignity and adventure. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
