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Issue 2, March/April, 2008 MANAGING THE STRESS OF CAREGIVER RESPONSIBILITIES According to the American Society on Agin, one out of four U.S. households provides care to a relative or friend over 50. Forty percent of caregivers are also raising children. Sixty-four percent work either full or part-time. Being a caregiver is a very big job and the pressure of caring for someone can lead to stress and feelings of being overwhelmed or unable to cope. When stress persists it can affect the body's immune system and lead to illness. If you identify and understand the causes of stress, then you can learn adaptive ways to cope with it. Care giving can range from round the clock direct care to corrdinating others who provide the care. Usually, it ends up being a combination of both. No matter how loving and caring the relationship between the caregiver and the elder, care giving typically involves stress. The stress of the challenges and demands can be seen in these warning signs: The feelings of stress vary with the responsibilities and the caregiver and may be triggered by: Multiple demands on the caregiver's time Conflicting responsibilities and expectations Lack of adequate understanding of the elder's mental or physical condition Difficulty in meeting the elder's physical or emotional needs Pressure of financial decisions and lack of resources A sense of loss of freedom and being "trapped" Disagreement among family members and a feeling that others are not doing their share Feeling that unrealistic demands are placed on the caregiver by the elder A lack of open communication Many experts suggest that coping with the stress of caregiving should involve learning to accept what the caregiver can and cannot change. Here are some strategies: Set realistic goals and expectations; let go of unrealistic expectations Adjust your standards as to how well or how frequently you perform a task Get organized, make a schedule Establish limits; determine what you will and will not do and communicate this to your family and the elder Ask for and accept help; involve other people Create a caregiver support team of family, friends and professional care workers Learn about community resources and respite care Join a support group Get informed about the elder's condition Pursue a faith community connection you may have Take care of yourself: make your own health a priority. If you are not well, you cannot care for someone else. Schedule time for activities you enjoy. Eat a balanced diet. Get plenty of rest. Excercise regularly. Relax. Take a break. Do relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing or meditating. Seek professional assistance or guidance when you are unable to manage your level of stress in order to maintain your own health and help you to be the caretaker you need to be. |
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