Signs of Caregiver Stress with Incontinence

May 25, 2022

Signs of Caregiver Stress with Incontinence

Caregivers. We, as a community, owe these individuals so much, especially when the person for whom they care suffers from incontinence. They dedicated their lives to caring for those who are less able, our loved ones and friends.  The job can be both physically and emotionally exhausting, and sometimes thankless.  Quite often, these professionals simply don't get the attention, recognition, and thanks to that they deserve.  To be honest, unless things go wrong, much of their hard work may go by unaddressed.

If you have hired an individual to care for a member of your family or a friend who is suffering from incontinence, it is critical that you check in on them regularly.  In addition to letting them know you appreciate what they do, you also want to ensure that the care provided is appropriate. It is not unusual for caregivers to experience incredible stress and even burnout.  When this happens, the care they provide can be compromised.

Caregiver Stress: Common & Normal

Caregivers and the families for whom they work need to be aware that these feelings are common and normal.  Below we have shared some of the most common signals associated with this.

• Messy Housing: The home in which your loved one lives should be neat and tidy.  That's not to say that nothing should ever be out of place.  A dish in the sink or mail on a countertop is normal. However, if the home starts to look truly disorganized or even dirty, the caregiver may be spending more time than normal caring for their patient.  Thus, they don't have the time to keep things clean.  This can either mean that the incontinence impacting your loved one has worsened (in which case they should see a physician) or that the job is simply becoming overwhelming.  Perhaps they need some additional help for the household so they can devote their attention where is most desperately needed.

• Frustration: If you speak with the caregiver and they seem irritable, they may be in over their heads. Perhaps they just need some time off or some extra help.  Or, maybe they are truly unable to provide the appropriate level of care, in which case you would need to hire another person.

• Appearing Ill: We all get sick.  If you work in an office you can simply call in and take a day off.  As a caregiver, especially one who works privately, this does not always seem like an option.  But, it should be.  If you are a caregiver and feel ill, you should reach out to the person who hired you and let them know.  You certainly don't want to infect those for whom you care, and it is your primary responsibility to keep yourself healthy.  Sometimes, a trip to the doctor or a few days' rest is necessary. 

• Missed Appointments:  Has your loved one missed any of their appointments?  If so, your caregiver may be struggling to concentrate. This is a sign of stress and burnout and should be addressed immediately.  Your loved ones must attend all of their scheduled appointments, whether medical or social.  If they are being missed, you need to take action.

Caring for individuals who suffer from incontinence is challenging.  The physical aspect of the work is taxing.  Lifting, cleaning, and laundry can be exhausting.  And, the emotional impact is considerable. Those who suffer from incontinence usually fall into two categories - those who are unaware and those who know and become embarrassed.  Caring for both types of people requires significant empathy - caregivers often feel terrible when accidents happen.

Bottom line, take the time to regularly check in with your caregiver (and, if you are a caregiver - do regular self-checks).  Keep your eyes and ears open.  And always remember to say thank you!

AT LIQUAGUARD® WE UNDERSTAND THAT INCONTINENCE CAN BE FRUSTRATING AND EMBARRASSING. AND, WE RECOGNIZE HOW DIFFICULT IT CAN BE TO CARE FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER, CAUSING CAREGIVER STRESS.  WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPLY A BROAD RANGE OF PRODUCTS TO MAKE LIVING WITH INCONTINENCE AND CARING FOR THOSE WHO DO A LITTLE BIT EASIER.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE OUR COMPLETE INVENTORY. AND, CALL US WITH QUESTIONS. WE LOOK FORWARD TO HELPING YOU FIND THE BEST PRODUCTS FOR YOUR NEEDS. WE CAN HELP IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE.

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