With about 30% of American households containing a caregiver, it’s safe to say that most people will have the job of caring for their parents at some point in their life. This can be an emotionally and mentally challenging responsibility, but allow the statistics to show that you are not alone. The following facts might startle you, but they will also reveal the importance of proper care for the elderly.

1. 1 in 10 Senior Citizens Endure Abuse

It is common for senior citizens to require around the clock care, and oftentimes, families are not able to provide this and are forced to place them in assisted living homes. The unfortunate side of this is that some homes do not monitor the behavior and relationships that their employees have with their tenants. The result is that sometimes the employees are abusers and will cause psychological, physical, or emotional harm to the elders they’re supposed to be caring for. According to the people from an Australian nursing homes facility, It is compulsory that family members should conduct thorough research and analysis of the home that’s chosen for the family as they age. While inspections should always be standard when searching for the right facility, it is best to choose a trusted top-notch provider of luxury assisted living homes.

2. Death is Not the Elderly’s Biggest Fear

Death is one of the inevitables that the elderly struggle less to accept than a few other things. Many senior citizens develop anxiety surrounding the following things:

– Loneliness
– Losing their independence
– Outliving their savings and retirement money

Nurturing one’s mental wellness through activities, healthy foods, and therapy are not things that many elderly people have been exposed to. Psychiatrists are often termed as “crazy doctors” by senior citizens because of how society from their day and age frowned upon those with mental health problems. It’s likely that caregivers will have to make a strategic plan of action to see that their family or patient is taking care of their mental state.

3. A Lack of Physical Activity is Very Common By Age 75

Nearly half of senior citizens stop engaging in any physical activity at all by age 75. This is often due to physical health problems, depression, or a lack of motivation. As common as it is, the fact remains that some physical activity is necessary. Many excuses will be made as to why it’s not, but make sure that you encourage it in every way possible.

4. More Elderly Experience Depression Than Young Adults

Because of the generation they were born in, senior citizens may hide their feelings of depression from their families and caregivers. In spite of how common it is, only about 10% of the six million who experience it will get treatment. Knowing how to look for the symptoms and following through with treatment is a crucial part of being a caregiver for the elderly.

5. Senior Citizens Tend to Avoid End-of-Life Planning

Making arrangements for when they lose the ability to care for themselves and when they pass away is a challenging process for the elderly. When healthy, they tend to put it off because of the depressing nature of it. When they begin to really age, they might lose the cognitive ability needed for complicated matters.

It’s a good rule of thumb to try to work out all the details and arrangements of how they will live until they pass and what their wishes are for after they pass sooner rather than later. Waiting until the last minute will only make it more difficult for all parties.

6. Stress Comes With the Job of Caregiving

Caregivers will almost always go through a period of time when they feel the responsibilities are crashing down on them. Having someone be so dependent on you can be a lot to handle regardless of whether or not you’re a professional or if the person is family.

It’s a good idea to always involve other family members to assist you. It’s important to maintain a social life and other activities that support mental and physical health when you are a caregiver. Showing up for yourself is vital and necessary if you want to be able to show up for another person.

This article lists only six of a long list of things to consider if you are someone’s caregiver. One thing that might be hard to bear is that when you are someone’s primary caregiver, you will become the center of their universe. This is natural for a mother and child relationship, but when the role is switched, it can be difficult for both parties, mentally and emotionally. Remember that there is support out there if needed, and know when to ask for it.