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Caregiver stress: Tips for keeping
stress under control
Caring for a loved one strains even the most resilient of Men and Women
Caregiver stress is no small problem! Med-Q Medication Management Systems calls caregivers, “Unsung Heroes”. First, all caregivers must be smart. Second, they need to take steps to preserve their own health and well-being. To sum up, our aging population means more care giving is being provided by people who are not trained health care professionals. About 35% of adult men and women are currently providing care to other adults. In conclusion, these individuals are the ” informal caregiver”.
A caregiver is anyone who provides help to another person in need. For example, taking care of a sick spouse. Another example, being the care giver for a disabled child, or an old mother or father.
Another typical task, filling a seniors” In-Home “medication reminder box with alarms. Furthermore, most family members who are helping to care for an older adult often don’ t see themselves as a ” family caregiver”. Finally, one ought to recognize the role. Hence, caregivers will then get the support they need.
Rewarding Caregiving is also very stressful
First of all being a caregivers is rewarding. Most caregivers are happy to be there when a loved one needs help. Hence, a core value and something you provide for loved ones. This being said, a shifting roles and emotional swings are certain. Subsequently, it is natural to feel, stressed, angry as well as frustrated. In short, be prepared for exhaustion and sadness. Caregiver stress need to be paid attention to. Finally, the emotional and physical stress of being a care giver is more than common.
Men and Women caregivers who experience stress are often susceptible to negative changes in personal health. For example, top risk factors for caregiver stress:
- Being a female caregiver
- The lower the amount of formal education
- If you are living with the person you are being a caregiver for
- The trappings of Social isolation
- Having boughs with depression
- Experiencing levels of Financial difficulties
- An ongoing increase in the number of hours spent care-giving
- Lack of coping skills and difficulty solving problems
- Lack of choice of being chosen to be the caregiver
Sponsored by Med-Q medication reminder box with alarms
The Warning Signs of caregiver stress
Caregivers tend to be focused on the loved one, Hence, you don’t realize that your personal health and well-being is suffering. For example, these signs of caregiver stress:
- A feeling of being overwhelmed.
- A feeling of constantly worried.
- Being tired all the time.
- Disruptions in sleep patters. For example, too much sleep or not getting enough sleep.
- Changes in body wight. For example, gaining or losing a lot of weight
- Becoming easily irritated or angry
- Losing interest in past activities that used to be enjoyed
- Feeling degrees of sadness
- Getting a lot of headaches,
- Experiencing bodily pain or other physical problems
- Abusing alcohol or drugs
- Abusing prescription medications
Too much stress is bad for one’s health. First, it is worse for those long term caregivers, Second, the effects will be worse, especially over a long period of time. Hence, stress will cause harm your health. Caregivers are more likely to experience symptoms of depression as well as levels of anxiety. In addition, many are not getting enough sleep . In addition, lacking physical activity as well as not eating a balanced diet. To sum up, these will increases risk of developing other medical problems. For example, heart disease or diabetes.
Strategies for coping with caregiver stress
Be prepared for emotional and physical demands. Fact, they will strain even the most resilient of people. Hence, it’s so important to take advantage of the many resources and available tools. To sum up, if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of anyone else.
Tips to manage caregiver stress:
- Be Prepared to Accept help. Make a written list of ways that others can help. For example,let the helper choose what they would like to do. For instance, a neighbor has offered to take the person on a walk a few times each week. Another example, a family member runs errands.
- Focus on the things you can provide. First of all, it’s normal to feel guilty. Remember, no one is a “perfect” caregiver. Just try to do the best you can. Also, try to make the best decisions you can.
- Set realistic, attainable goals. Med-Q’s #1 tip, break large tasks into smaller steps. Hence, you can do one step at a time. Prioritize, make lists and establish a daily routine. Finally, say no to requests that are draining. For example hosting thanksgiving.
- Get connected. Find out about care giving resources in your area,. Most places have classes specifically about the disease your caring for.
- Join a local support group. Men and women find that a support group can provide validation as well as much needed encouragement. First, others are able to offer problem-solving strategies for even the most difficult situations. People in support groups understand what you are going through.
- Set personal health goals. For example, a good sleep routine. Other examples, physically active , eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water.Many caregivers have issues with sleeping. Not getting quality sleep over a long period of time can cause health issues.
- Take care of health with a visit to the doctor. Get all the physical. test as well as screenings. Always, tell the health care professional that you’re a caregiver. Don’t hesitate to mention any worry’s, concerns or symptoms you may be experiencing.
You aren’t in this alone
Caregiver stress is a perfectly normal occurrence.
To make matters worse, caregivers have a hard time asking for help. Hence, this can lead to feeling isolated and depressed. Instead of struggling on your own, take advantage of local caregivers resources. First, look up the Eldercare Locator or contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Second, learn of the different services in the community. You can find your local AAA online.