At Assisting Hands, we care for many couples where one spouse is the primary caregiver. They may cook meals, take care of appointments and transportation, and assist with everyday tasks like bathing and getting dressed.

But it’s an impossible responsibility for couples who may have lived together for decades and watched each other change or who might not be in a position to provide the physical care needed.

A Caregiver Can:

Offer emotional support

You don’t want to be filled with anxiety about your partner’s safety every time you leave home. If you’re concerned about your partner falling or hurting themselves in your absence, a caregiver can help give you peace of mind. Having someone take care of your loved one even just a few hours a week so you can do errands or go grocery shopping gives you the space you need—

In order to provide adequate care for an ailing or aging partner, they also need time to refresh to avoid burnout.

Handle difficult tasks

Caregivers can provide an extra pair of hands during an especially challenging period. Even if you can, say, administer medicine or give your spouse a bath, some people are more responsive to outsiders than to their loved ones, especially if they take pride in being independent. A caregiver who doesn’t have an existing relationship with your spouse can start fresh, and be particularly useful after a hospitalization or a difficult illness, when the intensity of the situation is at its peak.

Assist with basic tasks

Remember, while you’ve probably supported your spouse for years, and even decades, you likely never had to handle the day-to-day tasks that they were capable of doing themselves. A caregiver can assist your spouse with bathing, dressing, grooming, and all the tasks that he or she used to do independently. That way, they can maintain a sense of routine and even dignity, and you can focus on being a supportive, loving spouse.

Ultimately, having the support of a caregiver will allow you to keep your loved one where they’re likely most comfortable— your home—for longer. Sometimes, being a loyal and supportive partner means asking, or being willing to receive, a little help.