Care-giving is rewarding, but stressful. If you are a caregiver, you know that taking care of someone who needs your assistance can be very rewarding. Being there for your loved ones, when they need you is a core value for many. But being a caregiver can exact a high toll, and caregiver stress is a common problem. Caregiver stress is the emotional and physical strain of care-giving. Individuals who experience the most caregiver stress are the most vulnerable to changes in their own health. Many caregivers fall into the trap of believing that they have to do everything by themselves. Dont make that mistake. Take advantage of the many resources and tools available to help you provide care for your loved on. Remember, if you dont take care of yourself, you wont be able to care for anyone else. Signs of Caregiver Stress ● Feeling tired most of the time ● Feeling overwhelmed and irritable ● Sleeping too much or too little ● Gaining or losing a lot of weight ● Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy Strategies for dealing with caregiver stress ● Accept help. Be prepared with a list of ways that others can help you, and let the helper choose what he or she would like to do. For instance, one person might be willing to take the person you care for on a walk a couple of times a week. Someone else might offer to pick up groceries or even cook for you. ● Focus on what you are able to provide. Dont give in to guilt. Feeling guilty is normal, but understand that no one is a perfect caregiver. Youre doing the best you can at any given time. Your house does not have to be perfect, and no one will care if you eat leftovers three days in a row. And you dont have to feel guilty about asking for help. ● Get connected. Organizations such as the Red Cross and the Alzheimers Association offer classes on care-giving, and local hospitals may have classes specifically about the disease your loved one is facing. Much information is available on-line, as well. Just make sure it is from a reputable source, such as those mentioned above. ● Join a support group. A support group can be a great source for encouragement and advice from others in similar situations. It can also be a good place to make new friends. ● Seek social support. Make an effort to stay emotionally connected with family and friends. Set aside time each week for socializing, even if its just a walk with a friends. Whenever possible, make plans that get you out of the house. Many have identified that maintaining a strong support system is the key to managing the stress associated with care-giving. ● Set personal health goals. For example, set a goal to find time to be physically active on most days of the week, or set a goal for getting a good nights sleep. Its also crucial to eat a healthy diet. ● See your Doctor. Get recommended immunizations and screenings. Make sure to tell your Doctor that youre a caregiver. Dont hesitate to mention any concerns or symptoms you have.
Posted on: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 13:23:52 +0000
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