How to Relieve Caregiver Stress
Are you caring for an aging parent, or perhaps caring for a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia? A bedridden or otherwise-disabled loved one? No matter what the issues or disability of any individual, care giving is a 24-hour job that leaves many caregivers under a lot of pressure and stress. Left unaddressed, stress caused by care giving may lead to illness or injury of the caregiver, as well as inappropriate reactions to anger, frustration and despair. Learn how to take care of yourself as a caregiver. Know that the stresses of care giving may seem overwhelming at times, but there are ways you can reduce your stress levels, safely and productively.
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Instructions
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Educate yourself. Click onto Internet websites, such as Caregiver Resources or the National Institute on Aging, for information regarding care giving. Consider the Family Caregiver Association website to learn what the stress involved in taking care of a loved one can do to your mental state and even your physical health. Read books on care giving such as "How to Care for Aging Parents" by Virginia Morris or the "Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide." Talk to others about care giving and its demands on your emotional, mental and physical strength. Learn what others have been through, and ways they addressed the stresses of caring for someone, regardless of circumstances.
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Research your options. Contact your local public health department and find out if there are care giving resources in your community. Find out about the eligibility of your friend or loved one to access such benefits as meals, in-home care or home health services. Find out if there is a local caregiver's support group that you can attend that will help to provide valuable information and resources for caregivers.
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Take care of yourself. Yes, this is often easier said than done, but it's very important for caregivers to eat well, get enough sleep and exercise daily. Try, through the help of other family members or friends, to schedule time away from your job as a caregiver every week in order to enjoy things you want to do--go to a movie, spend an evening with friends or just relax.
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Manage your stress. To do this, you must first be able to identify what it is that is causing you stress. Are you just plain worn out, physically and emotionally? Talk to someone about your emotions, worries and concerns for the future. Ask for family and friends to help in any way they can.
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Accept that, as a caregiver, there are going to be days when you feel resentful and angry that you are the one relegated to taking care of a family member. If you are a professional caregiver, understand that there are days when you're going to be put through a wringer--emotionally and physically. However, no matter what the scenario, understand and accept these feelings and emotions. Don't wallow in guilty feelings. These emotions are normal. However, if you find it difficult to overcome them, seek professional help or advice.
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Tips & Warnings
Be realistic in your expectations. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day. There is only so much you can do. Accept that. Do your best and take comfort in the fact that you are providing a vital and needed service for your loved one.
Get help if you feel overwhelmed. Don't wait until your physcial health suffers, you injure yourself, or you find yourself isolated from family and friends.
