BALTIMORE (May 15, 2019)—May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Senior Helpers, a provider of in-home senior care services, has released the findings of a 1,000-person survey that highlights the need to help family caregivers manage factors that can impact mental health. With more than 65 million people across America acting as family caregivers, it is a far-reaching issue. The Senior Helpers survey found that most family caregivers experience constant pressure and combat periodic anxiety and depression. The results confirmed the need to help family caregivers with a periodic break from their struggles with the emotional and mental demands of providing care.
“While caring for loved ones can be extremely rewarding, it is also very taxing on family members. For many families the requirement for around-the-clock care results in tremendous sacrifice and effort,” said Peter Ross, CEO and founder of Senior Helpers. “We are acutely aware of the challenges that family caregivers face and are deeply committed to offering families an alternative that can help ease the hardship of being the sole caregiver while still allowing their loved ones to age in place.”
The implications of this new information are significant: today’s family caregivers face challenges with anxiety, depression and maintaining a healthy work/life balance. The survey found:
- Anxiety & Depression: 77% of caregivers have personally experienced anxiety and/or depression
- No Breaks or Balance: 42% are working so hard that they do not have the time or energy for their other responsibilities
- Caregiving Obligation: 68% became caregivers because no one else could help
- Working & Caregiving: 53% believe that caregiving has kept them from other income
- Rewarding Service: Despite the challenges, 54% of respondents feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment from caregiving for their loved one
With over 300 locations across the nation, Senior Helpers’ mission is to ensure a better quality of life for elderly clients and their families by providing dependable and affordable care to seniors so that they may age in place with dignity. “Whether families need occasional assistance or continuous care, we offer a wide range of professionally supervised, affordable services that range from specialized care for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, to companion and personal care and even housekeeping assistance,” added Ross.
Visit seniorhelpers.com for more information.
