How Do I Care for My Aging Spouse & Prevent Spouse Caregiver Burnout?

Many caregivers for seniors are also spouses, which is expected as we often want to be there to care for our loved ones, especially the ones that we have spent many years building a life with. In fact, research from the Pew Research Center shows that around 29% of caregivers between the ages of 45 and 64 are providing care to their spouse or partner. The Well Spouse Association further highlights how common spousal caregiving is in the United States, noting that 12% of their surveyed population, representing about 5.7 million people, are providing care to their spouse or partner. These numbers reflect the important role spouses play in providing care and ensuring the well-being of their partners as they age. 

At Visiting Angels Bradenton, we connect our clients with caregivers, and we understand that providing the best care possible is a top priority, especially when you're caring for your spouse. We recognize the unique challenges that come with this role and are dedicated to providing spousal caregivers with access to the information they need to offer the best care possible. To make the journey of being a spousal caregiver a little easier, we have provided a few tips below. 

JUMP TO: Don’t Ignore Spouse Caregiver Burnout | Work On Building A New Relationship With Your Spouse | Make Your Home Safe | Create A Routine | What Do I Do? | Contact Us

Don’t Ignore Spouse Caregiver Burnout

Spousal caregiver burnout occurs when the physical, emotional, and mental demands of caring for your spouse become overwhelming. When caring for a spouse, it’s common to feel a deep sense of responsibility towards them, often putting their needs ahead of your own for extended periods of time. Over time, this can lead to exhaustion, feelings of isolation, and even resentment towards your spouse. In fact, we’ve often heard spouses who have provided care without breaks make statements such as, “I hate being my husband's caregiver.” Burnout can manifest in many ways, including experiencing: 

• Chronic fatigue
• Irritability
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
• Declining health

It’s important for a spousal caregiver to recognize these signs early on, as prolonged burnout can negatively impact both you and the quality of care you provide to your spouse.

Spouse caregiver burnout is not something to ignore, as it can worsen without intervention, and lead to your spouse not receiving the care they deserve, and a decline in your mental and physical health. At Visiting Angels in Bradenton, we offer referrals for respite care services which are designed to give a spousal caregiver a much-needed break. With respite care referrals, we connect you with a respite caregiver. This allows you to rest and recharge, while a qualified caregiver steps in to provide compassionate and professional care for your loved one. Whether you need help for a few hours a week or for extended periods, the respite caregivers we connect you with can assist with: 

• Daily tasks
• Personal care
• Providing companionship

This service ensures that your spouse remains well cared for while you focus on your own mental and physical well-being.

Work On Building A New Relationship With Your Spouse

Another important part of providing the best care for your spouse and maintaining a strong relationship is to make an effort to reconnect with each other. Playing the role of a caregiver can put a strain on your marriage, as the constant need to monitor, assist, and direct can create tension and raise stress levels. Your spouse may feel frustrated by what they see as “nagging,” while you might feel unappreciated and overwhelmed when trying to provide the best care possible. When your interactions frequently end in arguments or uncomfortable silence, it’s a sign that it’s time to make some changes and reconnect with your spouse.

One way to do so is by learning to communicate more effectively and carving out some quality time together. This doesn’t mean simply sitting in the same room or watching TV together. Creating a stronger relationship with your spouse is most effectively done by engaging in activities that help you reconnect on a personal level. Whether it’s going out for dinner, enjoying a movie, or playing a board game together, spending intentional time together can reignite the connection you share. Additionally, making an effort to do small, thoughtful things or tasks for each other each day can help support appreciation and bring back the spark in your relationship. 

Make Your Home As Safe As Possible

Another tip for providing the best care as a spousal caregiver is ensuring your home is a safe environment for your loved one. A safe home environment not only helps prevent accidents but also provides peace of mind, allowing both you and your spouse to focus on caring for them and maintaining their health and well-being. Making the house safer can reduce the risk of falls, which is a common type of accident amongst the elderly, especially for those with mobility or balance issues.

Some practical steps to make your home safer as a caregiver include: 

• Installing grab bars in the bathroom
• Adding non-slip mats in areas prone to being slippery or wet
• Ensuring that all walkways are free of clutter or tripping hazards 
• Adjusting furniture to create wider pathways
• Installing adequate lighting
• Placing items your spouse needs within easy reach to minimize strain 

By implementing these simple but effective measures, you can create a safer, more comfortable living space for your spouse that enhances their independence while helping to maintain a strong, supportive relationship.  

Create A Routine

Another valuable tip for caring for a sick spouse is to create a consistent routine. A serious illness, injury, or losing mobility as we age can easily become the main focus of daily life, but maintaining a sense of normalcy can help your spouse feel like they have some control over their independence. Whenever possible, encourage your spouse to continue participating in daily tasks they are still able to do, such as paying bills online, preparing a meal, writing out a grocery list, or caring for pets. Allowing them to contribute in these ways can boost their confidence, provide a sense of accomplishment, and create a predictable routine for them to follow.

Staying consistent with regular activities and routines is also important. This is especially important for individuals with cognitive conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. For instance, if you usually have a movie night on Fridays, don’t change it. Fun, engaging activities help your spouse stay in the present moment, lifting their spirits, improving mental health, and strengthening your bond. Incorporating enjoyable moments into your routine can make a world of difference for mental health, helping to manage stress and maintain emotional connection during this challenging time.

I Hate Being My Husband's Caregiver - What Do I Do?

Caring for a sick spouse is a deeply personal and challenging responsibility, but it’s important to know that it’s not for everyone, and it's okay to say you cannot do it. Despite trying their hardest, some individuals find that being a spousal caregiver is something they simply cannot manage. There is absolutely no shame in realizing that you cannot care for your spouse all by yourself. At Visiting Angels, we understand the challenges that spousal caregivers face, and we are here to provide the care and support your spouse needs.

Often, spousal caregivers just need a break because they haven’t been prioritizing their own physical and mental health, and have become overwhelmed. That’s where we come in. We offer referrals for customized home care services for your spouse that are tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’d like us to fully take on the role of caring for your spouse or you just need respite services for a few hours a week, we can help. Our flexible in-home care options allow you to choose the level of support that works best for you, giving you the chance to rest and recharge while knowing your spouse is properly being cared for. 

Need Help With Caring For Your Spouse In Bradenton? Contact Visiting Angels Today

If you need help caring for your spouse, whether they’re recovering from injury or illness, or simply need help with daily living activities, don’t hesitate to reach out to our compassionate team at Visiting Angels in Bradenton, Florida. We understand the unique challenges that come with being a spousal caregiver, including sick spouse stress, and we’re here to provide the support you need. Whether you’re looking to have some time to recharge during the week or need more comprehensive care, we offer a free in-home consultation where we can assess your situation and create a personalized care plan tailored specifically to your spouse or partner's needs. Our referrals for home care services near you are customizable and include respite care for those times when you need a break, 24-hour care for continuous support, hospice care to assist with end-of-life care, and companion care to provide emotional support and social interaction. No matter the level of care your spouse requires, we’re committed to ensuring your spouse receives the best possible care in the comfort of home. Let us help lighten the load and provide you with peace of mind, knowing your loved one is in skilled and caring hands.