How to Cope With Caregiver Stress

Whether caring for an elderly parent, a chronically ill young child or sandwiched between two generations with the responsibility of caring for both, caregivers who experience high levels of stress need to be certain to take care of their own mental and physical well-being. If you are a caregiver and are experiencing sleep problems, weight gain or loss, low energy levels, frequent headaches or other physical problems or are easily angered, irritated or saddened, you need to take steps to alleviate the stress.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Ways to Relieve Caregiver Stress

1. Ask for and accept help. Seek the support of family and friends. People can't help you unless and until you let them know what you need.
2. Find out about community resources. Adult day care, visiting nurses, in-home assistance, Meals-on-Wheels and high school volunteers are resources available in many communities.
3. Prioritize, make lists and create a daily routine.
4. Become an educated caregiver. As disease progresses or needs change different skills may be required. Try to learn as much as you can about what you are dealing with.
5. Take care of yourself. Eat right, make exercise part of your daily routine and get plenty of rest. Make time for shopping, sharing a meal with friends or other activities that bring you pleasure.
6. Accept changes as they happen. As the needs of the person you are caring for change, review the situation to determine if there are changes in care that need to be made. It may be time for more or less outside help.
7. Be realistic. No one person can do it all. Recognize your own limitations and respect them. You can not provide care for another if you are ill yourself.
8. Review legal and financial planning to determine if changes are needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Give yourself credit. You are doing the best you can. Your loved one needs you and you are there. Be proud of what you are doing.
• See your doctor for a checkup. Discuss any physical or emotional symptoms of stress you are experiencing.