Many custodians have reported a positive mental experience and satisfaction from caregiving, knowing that their loved one is getting meaningful support and finding increased purpose in one’s life.
Some caretakers believe that if they pass on the tradition of honest care for elders by modeling caregiving, their children will be more likely to provide similar support to them in future, if necessary.
Many caregivers report the other benefits they get during their role of caring for their loved ones. They find caregiving has a positive impact on adaptive coping with stress and other complicated situations.
Caregivers also report lower levels of depression from caregiving and a sense of well-being after the process of recovery has ended. Some other important positive psychological effects of being a family caregiver are:
Creates better memories
Caring for an elderly loved one builds better bonds and creates memories. Looking after the home or preparing meals gives an opportunity to both of you to relive the memories from the good old days and events about the family’s past history.
In addition, family caregiving can improve the relationship between the caregiver and the receiver, while providing at the same time a sense of inner strength and satisfaction.
Provides educational benefits
To learn more about the malady affecting your loved one,you can do your own research and seek advice from experts in order to stay abreast. You can also educate yourself on the physical condition and chronic ailment your loved one is suffering from to prevent further deterioration. In addition,being prepared will give you hope, expand knowledge and reduce psychological stress.
Boosts feelings of accomplishment
Helping the elderly recover from a stroke, an accident or slowing down the progression of a mental disease like dementia or Alzheimer’s can boost self-esteem and make you feel accomplished. This also raises confidence levels and the ability to take charge during an emergency.
Provides financial benefits
You can reduce costs dramatically by tending to your loved one yourself or with the help of a sibling in case you are responsible for your patient’s finances. Reducing monthly expenses gives financial stability and reduces stress which is excellent for your psychological health.
Develops a healthy lifestyle
Caring for a loved one can provide a better insight into the process of ageing, which in turn can motivate the caregiver to healthier lifestyle goals. For instance, caregiving can keep you occupied and away from any addictive habits like smoking, drinking, isolating oneself etc.
Surviving the burden associated with caring for a mentally sick loved one will make the caregiver stronger and promote a more adaptable and healthy lifestyle.
Builds resilience
Research shows caring for family members affects the caregiver in positive ways by becoming more resilient over a period of time. Resilience may differ from person to person, but the characteristics of overcoming adversity will be the same.
Lengthens life expectancy
If you combine all the physical and mental health benefits given above, a healthy relationship can improve life span up to 50% even if you have unhealthy physical habits.
It is not to say that caregiving can lead to burnout but if you want you can protect your well being by being smart about it and outsourcing to a reputed caregiving service.
