Shining a light on the role of family caregiver

According to a 2023 survey by AARP, 166,000 Maine residents are considered family caregivers, which equates to $2.9 billion in unpaid care across the state. Lindsay Dunstan, PT, lead physical therapist for Northern Light Home Care & Hospice defines a family caregiver as, “anyone who provides unpaid help to a disabled, chronically sick, or elderly relative or friend.”

The roles of the family caregiver can vary greatly based on kinds of care and amount needed. Lindsay says caregivers can take on one or many roles, “including providing emotional support and companionship, feeding, bathing, grooming, managing money, shopping, and providing transportation. This person can also act as an extension of the healthcare system by providing medication assistance and medical therapies they are trained to perform in the home. A lot can go into ensuring the love, support, and safety of our family members.”

Economic factors, access to services, as well as a rise in the need for care after the pandemic have all led to more people providing care in the home so their family members can live independently. “A lot of caregivers also hold full time jobs or commitments outside of their caregiver duties and this can really make for a heavy workload resulting in fatigue and additional stress which affects them both personally and professionally,” says Lindsay.

Consistently putting someone else’s needs before your own can take its toll, sometimes leading to feelings of stress and isolation. As a family caregiver, it’s important to find time to take care of yourself. “Whether that’s meditating, enjoying a hobby, taking a walk, or perhaps engaging in a social group once or twice a week, find something for you,” says Lindsay. Eating and sleeping well is also important, ensuring you are taking care of the needs of your own body.

There are support programs that can help. Family caregiver support programs can help you explore options and plan for care needs, learn tips on how to take care of yourself, and reduce anxiety and stress.…

Lindsay continues, “Depending on the level of care in the home, it may be difficult to step away, but each moment you take for yourself helps you remain resilient and better able to care for your loved one.”

Here are some helpful resources: