The Biggest Challenges in Being a Caregiver for a Family Member

Challenges of becoming a caregiver

If you’re considering caring for a loved one in Michigan so they can remain in their home (or yours), we commend you. There are many challenges in becoming a caregiver for a family member.

It’s a true labor of love.

What you may not know is that in Michigan, you can be financially compensated for the time you spend caring for your loved one who has Medicaid. And that can ease the burden considerably.

Challenges in Being a Caregiver for a Family Member

Caring for others is rewarding work. But it’s also demanding.

It’s not unusual for caregivers to overlook their well-being while attending to loved ones. We’ll take a look at the biggest challenges caregivers face when caring for a family member in Michigan.

1. Emotional and Physical Stress

Living with a loved one who has dementia or Alzheimer’s can take an emotional toll because they can be easily confused, stressed, or upset. This is hard to witness. And in caretaking cases where mobility is an issue and lifting is required, the physical repercussions can be brutal. So it’s no surprise that nearly a quarter of caregivers report that their own health worsens as a result of caregiving.

2. Less Free Time

Though most caregivers understand they’ll have less time for themselves and other family members, they often don’t grasp to what extent. As such, they often have to sacrifice hobbies, vacations, or other things that bring them joy. And this puts them at a higher risk for depression.

3. Loss of Privacy

Setting boundaries is important when caring for a family member – whether it’s in your house or theirs. This isn’t always easy though. In small spaces where it’s almost impossible to get away from constant interaction, caregivers often feel they have no privacy when they need a break to reset.

4. Lack of Sleep

In many cases, the family member’s sleep-wake cycle might be off-kilter. That means they require attention at times when the caregiver needs to sleep. Not being able to get rejuvenating sleep makes it even harder for the caregiver to be at their best. Particularly if they’re already feeling strained.

5. Financial Pressure

Many people believe that caring for a family member means they’ll have to give up their paying job while going unpaid for their caregiving efforts. In some cases, this may be true.

But in Michigan, if your loved one is receiving Medicaid, you may be able to care for a family member AND get paid.

How to Get Compensated for Your Caregiving Efforts

If you’re waiting for us to point you to the State of Michigan for payment, you’ll be happy to know there’s a better way.

Going through the State is often a slow, confusing, and frustrating process with long applications, monthly invoice submissions, poor communication with busy caseworkers, and pay of only $15.88/hour (which is barely above minimum wage).

On the other hand, a home healthcare agency like Stay Home Home Care makes the process faster, easier, and more rewarding. We offer full support through every step of the application, handle your invoices, provide help in communicating with caseworkers, and pay up to $20 per hour. Plus, there is a wide range of eligible services that include cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, medication reminders, and more.

Get Started Today

It’s easy.

Simply download and fill out the application forms. When you’re done, call us at 888-313-STAY (7829) and we’ll arrange to pick them up or send a prepaid envelope for you to mail them back.

Once we receive everything, we’ll submit the paperwork to the State on your behalf. A caseworker will schedule an in-home visit to assess your loved one’s needs. Upon your approval, you’ll start receiving pay for the care you’re already giving.

There’s absolutely no cost to apply. Once approved, we’ll bill Medicaid directly. And since this service is already included in your family member’s Medicaid benefits, it won’t affect their coverage or any other support they receive.

That’s it!

Become a Caregiver With Stay Home Home Care

Don’t let the above challenges in becoming a caregiver for a family member in Michigan keep you from filling this important and needed role.

Contact us today and let Stay Home Home Care turn your caring efforts into income. 

We want to help you help your loved one.

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