Dealing with caregiver stress is a major reality in our modern society. With people living to be older today than ever before, it is suffered by many. Physical, emotional, and mental problems are all real conditions having to be dealt with. Help is available for those who need it.
A caregiver can be defined as anyone that provides help for someone who can no longer do regular daily tasks. The majority are unpaid and are related in some way to the person that they give care to. At least 45 million people are caregivers today, with that number climbing everyday. Oftentimes, it involves caring for an elderly family member. However, many are also parents who must care for a disabled child.
It is believed that at some point in almost all of our lives, we will face this responsibility. At the present time, a large majority are women. Many of these have an outside job as well as their job as caregiver. Those who have an outside job must often make adjustments to their work schedules to accommodate the needs of their loved one. Some have to resort to taking unpaid leave to help alleviate some of their stress.
This responsibility is the cause of a much strain for the caregivers. Feelings of anger, frustration, and guilt are quite common. Their social life is often impacted in a negative way. Feeling exhausted and overwhelmed are also quite common.
Unfortunately, those who care for others are much more likely to suffer medical problems of their own over the long term. They tend to be more likely to get things like depression and heart disease. They also tend to be slower to heal when they do become ill.
Solutions are available for these stress issues. It is often quite helpful to talk to either a psychologist or a counselor. Also seek advice from your own primary medical provider. Many medical offices now offer training classes that teach how to care for patients with specific medical issues like dementia. Always take help from others when it is offered. You may feel like you are responsible for everything, but this does not have to be the case. Make a list of priorities and set realistic goals for yourself. When appropriate, discuss your situation with other family members. You may find that they are more than willing to lend a helping hand. Be sure to set aside some time just for you. Keep in touch with friends. Only by taking care of yourself, can you be at your best to help someone else.
Although some negatives exist for this responsibility, it also offers many positive rewards as well. Many caregivers say that they have become even closer to their loved one. They also feel more needed and like they are really making a difference.
Caregiver stress can definitely have a major negative impact on a person. However, most states and local communities have information on agencies that can help both you and the one who needs care. Your local Area Agency on Aging is an excellent source for valuable information. Their resources are virtually limitless. Many communities also offer help by way of things such as adult day care and respite care. Be sure to take advantage of any available resources. Also, if possible, talk to others in your same situation.
A caregiver can be defined as anyone that provides help for someone who can no longer do regular daily tasks. The majority are unpaid and are related in some way to the person that they give care to. At least 45 million people are caregivers today, with that number climbing everyday. Oftentimes, it involves caring for an elderly family member. However, many are also parents who must care for a disabled child.
It is believed that at some point in almost all of our lives, we will face this responsibility. At the present time, a large majority are women. Many of these have an outside job as well as their job as caregiver. Those who have an outside job must often make adjustments to their work schedules to accommodate the needs of their loved one. Some have to resort to taking unpaid leave to help alleviate some of their stress.
This responsibility is the cause of a much strain for the caregivers. Feelings of anger, frustration, and guilt are quite common. Their social life is often impacted in a negative way. Feeling exhausted and overwhelmed are also quite common.
Unfortunately, those who care for others are much more likely to suffer medical problems of their own over the long term. They tend to be more likely to get things like depression and heart disease. They also tend to be slower to heal when they do become ill.
Solutions are available for these stress issues. It is often quite helpful to talk to either a psychologist or a counselor. Also seek advice from your own primary medical provider. Many medical offices now offer training classes that teach how to care for patients with specific medical issues like dementia. Always take help from others when it is offered. You may feel like you are responsible for everything, but this does not have to be the case. Make a list of priorities and set realistic goals for yourself. When appropriate, discuss your situation with other family members. You may find that they are more than willing to lend a helping hand. Be sure to set aside some time just for you. Keep in touch with friends. Only by taking care of yourself, can you be at your best to help someone else.
Although some negatives exist for this responsibility, it also offers many positive rewards as well. Many caregivers say that they have become even closer to their loved one. They also feel more needed and like they are really making a difference.
Caregiver stress can definitely have a major negative impact on a person. However, most states and local communities have information on agencies that can help both you and the one who needs care. Your local Area Agency on Aging is an excellent source for valuable information. Their resources are virtually limitless. Many communities also offer help by way of things such as adult day care and respite care. Be sure to take advantage of any available resources. Also, if possible, talk to others in your same situation.
A year ago after my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, the parental roles reversed drastically. Suddenly I took on the role as his parent, taking care of his daily needs as an aging parent. At times I became very overwhelmed, and my anxiety levels were through the roof. I realized that I had to take better care of myself and find more effective ways of dealing with my stress after taking a stress assessment test. It was definitely taking a toll on my health. I tried Yoga as a means to manage my anxiety and it has truly made a difference!
ReplyDelete