Caregiver stress is a very real problem. With the population living to an even older age, it is a reality for many people. It can lead to physical, mental, and even emotional problems. There is help available for those who need it.
A caregiver is one who gives help to a person that is unable on their own to take care of regular daily tasks. The majority are not paid, and they are often related to the person to whom they give care. A conservative estimate is that at least forty-five million people have this role today. That number will only increase in the years ahead. The most common occurrence is of a person taking care of an aged relative. However, there are many instances of parents taking care of their disabled child.
It is believed that at some point in almost all of our lives, we will face this responsibility. At the present time, a large majority are women. Many of these have an outside job as well as their job as caregiver. Those who have an outside job must often make adjustments to their work schedules to accommodate the needs of their loved one. Some have to resort to taking unpaid leave to help alleviate some of their stress.
This responsibility is the cause of a much strain for the caregivers. Feelings of anger, frustration, and guilt are quite common. Their social life is often impacted in a negative way. Feeling exhausted and overwhelmed are also quite common.
Unfortunately, those who care for others are much more likely to suffer medical problems of their own over the long term. They tend to be more likely to get things like depression and heart disease. They also tend to be slower to heal when they do become ill.
Solutions are available for these stress issues. It is often quite helpful to talk to either a psychologist or a counselor. Also seek advice from your own primary medical provider. Many medical offices now offer training classes that teach how to care for patients with specific medical issues like dementia. Always take help from others when it is offered. You may feel like you are responsible for everything, but this does not have to be the case. Make a list of priorities and set realistic goals for yourself. When appropriate, discuss your situation with other family members. You may find that they are more than willing to lend a helping hand. Be sure to set aside some time just for you. Keep in touch with friends. Only by taking care of yourself, can you be at your best to help someone else.
There are many rewards that come with this responsibility. Most caregivers feel needed and feel that they are giving back to the one they love. It also seems to help them have a stronger relationship with their loved one.
Unfortunately, caregiver stress is a reality for many people today. However, there are many organizations that have resources available to help you. Talk to someone at your local Area Agency on Aging. Consider options like respite or adult day care to help you manage your time better.
A caregiver is one who gives help to a person that is unable on their own to take care of regular daily tasks. The majority are not paid, and they are often related to the person to whom they give care. A conservative estimate is that at least forty-five million people have this role today. That number will only increase in the years ahead. The most common occurrence is of a person taking care of an aged relative. However, there are many instances of parents taking care of their disabled child.
It is believed that at some point in almost all of our lives, we will face this responsibility. At the present time, a large majority are women. Many of these have an outside job as well as their job as caregiver. Those who have an outside job must often make adjustments to their work schedules to accommodate the needs of their loved one. Some have to resort to taking unpaid leave to help alleviate some of their stress.
This responsibility is the cause of a much strain for the caregivers. Feelings of anger, frustration, and guilt are quite common. Their social life is often impacted in a negative way. Feeling exhausted and overwhelmed are also quite common.
Unfortunately, those who care for others are much more likely to suffer medical problems of their own over the long term. They tend to be more likely to get things like depression and heart disease. They also tend to be slower to heal when they do become ill.
Solutions are available for these stress issues. It is often quite helpful to talk to either a psychologist or a counselor. Also seek advice from your own primary medical provider. Many medical offices now offer training classes that teach how to care for patients with specific medical issues like dementia. Always take help from others when it is offered. You may feel like you are responsible for everything, but this does not have to be the case. Make a list of priorities and set realistic goals for yourself. When appropriate, discuss your situation with other family members. You may find that they are more than willing to lend a helping hand. Be sure to set aside some time just for you. Keep in touch with friends. Only by taking care of yourself, can you be at your best to help someone else.
There are many rewards that come with this responsibility. Most caregivers feel needed and feel that they are giving back to the one they love. It also seems to help them have a stronger relationship with their loved one.
Unfortunately, caregiver stress is a reality for many people today. However, there are many organizations that have resources available to help you. Talk to someone at your local Area Agency on Aging. Consider options like respite or adult day care to help you manage your time better.
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