How to Minimize Stress for Caregivers of Stroke Victims

Caregivers are people who take care of other people suffering from a stroke. Most often it is parents or spouses who are disabled. The people who receive care usually need help with basic daily tasks. Caregivers help with many things such as grocery shopping, house cleaning, cooking, toileting, bathing, dressing, and eating.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Help from friends and other family members
• Support Groups for Caregivers of Stroke Victims
• Educational Resources Specifically about Stroke and Its Consequences

1. Identify the stresses that caregivers of stroke victims are prone to. Studies show that caregiving takes a toll on physical and emotional health. Caregivers are more likely to suffer from depression than their peers. Limited research suggests that caregivers may also be more likely to have health problems like diabetes and heart disease than non-caregivers.
   
   Caring for the stroke sufferer takes a lot of time, effort, and work. Plus, most caregivers juggle caregiving with full-time jobs and parenting. In the process, caregivers put their own needs aside. Caregivers often report that it is difficult to look after their own health in terms of exercise, nutrition, and doctor's visits. So, caregivers often end up feeling angry, anxious, isolated, and sad.
   
   Women caregivers are particularly prone to feeling stress and overwhelmed. Studies show that female caregivers of stroke sufferers have more emotional and physical health problems, employment-related problems, and financial strain than male caregivers. Other research shows that people who care for their spouses are more prone to caregiving-related stress than those who care for other family members.
2. Evaluate symptoms you may be experiencing that indicate that the strain of caregiving has begun to adversely impact your health.
   
   Sleeping problems — sleeping too much or too little
   Change in eating habits — resulting in weight gain or loss
   Feeling tired or without energy most of the time
   Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy such as going out with friends, walking, or reading
   Easily irritated, angered, or saddened
   Frequent headaches, stomach aches, or other physical problems
3. -Find out about community caregiving resources.
   -Ask for and accept help.
   -Stay in touch with friends and family. Social activities can help you feel connected and may reduce stress.
   -Find time for exercise most days of the week.
   -Prioritize, make lists and establish a daily routine.
   -Look to faith-based groups for support and help.
   -Join a support group for stroke victim caregivers in your situation. Many support groups can be found in the community or on the Internet.
   -See your doctor for a checkup. Talk to her about symptoms of depression or sickness you may be having.
   -Try to get enough sleep and rest.
   -Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in saturated fat.
   -Ask your doctor about taking a multivitamin.
   -Take one day at a time.