Stage three begins with the actual act of providing care for your loved one. This stage can be as short as few months, or become a life-long commitment lasting many years. Inside of stage three, there are three sub-stages:
- Mild impairment- Elder can be left alone for several hours at a time
- Middle stage- A loss of function or cognition results in a loss of abilities and a higher demand for assistance
- Advanced stage- Caregiving becomes a 24/7 job for the caregiver
The stage most commonly associated with caregiver abuse is the advanced stage. Even the calmest tempered caregivers can become exhausted and overwhelmed. It is easy for your job as a caregiver to override your need for caring for yourself. It is a time when you also may find that backup caregivers seem to have faded away, largely due to the demands and personal nature of care at this stage.
It is important to recognize the signs of caregiver burn out. If you feel overwhelmed, irritable or depressed, seek help. There are many opportunities to find respite care, both through family and friends as well as professional caregivers. You may be able to have this needed respite funded via government benefits or health insurance.
As stage three approaches, it is important to make sure that you have the resources available to successfully care for your loved one. Speak to an elder law attorney to help develop a plan that will be best for both you, and your elder loved one.
