How to Handle Caregiver Stress and Get Support

Blog Category: Health

Caregiver stress is something that can happen to the most resilient of people. As medical treatments advance and life expectancies increase, so does the number of people living with disabilities or chronic illnesses and the amount of caregiving offered by non-healthcare professionals. If you are a caregiver, it’s important to find the best support so you can provide effective and loving care without neglecting yourself in the process. Here are some tips to handle your caregiver stress and get support.

What is Caregiver Stress Syndrome?

Caregiver Stress Syndrome is the mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion and neglect of your own needs caused by consistently caring for another person. The demands of caring for someone can result in burnout and illness when the caregiver is unable to balance the needs of their loved one with their own. Caregivers often place unrealistic expectations on themselves and continue to perform duties beyond one’s capabilities, leading to frustration and stress, which can affect their health. Look out for these signs of caregiver stress:

  • Not getting enough sleep or sleeping too much
  • Change in appetite
  • Feeling overwhelmed, sad, worried, depressed, hopeless, or easily irritated
  • Prominent weight gain or loss
  • Social isolation and loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
  • Frequent headaches or body pain
  • Getting sick more often
  • Substance abuse, including prescribed medication
  • Financial difficulties

Research and Set Realistic Goals

You’re probably wondering where to start and think you have to be perfect at all times. That’s not a realistic expectation for yourself, and it’ll burn you out before you can create a healthy, functioning process for yourself and your loved one. Below are some tips to prepare you for your role as a caregiver:

  • Learn about your options in healthcare for your loved one, including senior living
  • Seek out other caregivers to ask for advice
  • Establish a routine and break down big tasks into smaller steps
  • Trust your instincts and know your limits
  • Encourage your care recipient’s independence
  • Allow yourself to grieve the change in your loved one’s health and relationship

Accept Help

Even if you are the primary caregiver, you can’t do everything on your own. You’ll need other family members, friends, and professionals to help you from time to time. Set aside time to talk with trusted people and give them a prepared list of duties you feel comfortable with them handling so you can attend to your needs.

Take Advantage of Community Services

You don’t need to become a caregiving professional who does it all. Most communities have resources and qualified staff that can further assist you within your budget, such as:

  • Caregiver services and adult daycare
  • Caregiver support for veterans
  • Special courses, like CARES training
  • Community transportation services
  • Personal and health care services
  • Meal programs
  • Home health aides
  • Respite care
  • Skilled nursing and therapy

Take Care of Yourself

Make the time to take care of yourself and other relationships you have:

  • Set aside time every week to stay connected with friends and family
  • Enjoy events and activities like going to the movies or a fancy dinner
  • Make doctor and salon appointments for yourself
  • Protect your overall health by exercising, taking classes, and journaling
  • Practice good hygiene
  • Eat and sleep well
  • Go on vacation or take FMLA
  • Use this learning opportunity to plan for your own future

Learn more about your options for memory care with individualized resources based on your needs through our 5-minute survey powered by Roobrik here.

At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage