Being a family caregiver can be overwhelming, even when you are suited to the job. The physical and emotional demands of caring for another, as well as the intellectual demands of coordinating payments and paperwork, are extremely taxing. It is natural to feel angry, frustrated, and drained at times.
Because stress signals the body to release adrenaline and cortisol, sending signals that may increase your heart rate, blood sugar, blood pressure, and shut down your immune system so your body can function at a “high alert” level, it is not healthy to be constantly stressed. This is why care giving takes such a toll on the body. The spirit may be willing, but the body becomes more susceptible to disease and infection.
Here are eight warning signs of caregiver stress. Perhaps the biggest warning sign, however, is denial that you have any of these problems, which are common in the care giving community.
1. Sleep is difficult even when fatigued.
2. You are irritable over little things.
3. You feel exhausted and run down or are constantly suffering from a cold or stomach upset.
4. You lash out at your impaired family member for things they can’t control.
5. You are overly critical of your skills and performance.
6. You isolate from friends whose company you used to enjoy and withdraw from other family members whose lives seem easier than yours.
7. You ignore your own responsibilities, forgetting to pay your own bills for instance
8. Depression and anxiety are not just reactions to situations but are constant.
Once you have identified warning signs of caregiver stress what do you? You have to start caretaking yourself.
Read more: http://www.thirdage.com/caregiving/how-cope-caregiver-stress#ixzz1BVA2AxLi
Here are 8 steps for reducing caregiver burnout:
1. See your doctor about sleep problems and any other physical symptoms (e.g., muscle pain from lifting or a constant cold). Many caregivers are so focused on their loved one that they don’t even have their own doctor. If you don’t, ask your loved one’s physician for advice and a referral.
2. Find a therapist who can help you develop coping skills for managing stress and determine if you need to be on an anti-depressant.
3. Be realistic about what you can and can’t accomplish, as well as about what you will and won’t do. Even a rubber band eventually breaks if stretched too far.
4. Keep up social interaction. If you can’t get away often, invite friends over for potluck suppers.
5. It is extremely important to have respite care available for help whether you are too sick to function or just want to go out for dinner and a movie or if you need a regular time out for exercise, shopping or quiet reflection. Interview and line up caregivers. Often CNAs who work at nursing home facilities also do at-home respite care.
6. Take advantage of community support services and other resources: Meals on Wheels, home delivery of groceries or medications, adult day services, volunteers from faith-based or civic groups, Alzheimer’s support groups.
7. Ask for help from other family members. Don’t wait for them to volunteer and if they offer do not turn them down. Give them a task and a time and tell them the truth – that you can’t go on without a break or some help.
8. Take every opportunity to laugh. Watch funny movies or TV shows with your loved one. Troll the Internet for funniest videos. Enjoy your time with your family member when they are lucid. Even when they’re not, there is often something funny that happens during care taking at some point in 24 hours, whether it’s a warm moment or things are so bad they are ridiculous.
Read more: http://www.thirdage.com/caregiving/how-cope-caregiver-stress?page=0,1#ixzz1BVACQEJA
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