While some people are caregivers by profession, most take on their new role unexpectedly when something happens to a friend or family member. Caregiving is helping another person-usually someone who is ill, disabled, or elderly-with their day-to-day activities. This may involve driving them to different places, delivering food, cleaning their home, or scheduling doctor’s appointments. While helping someone is a gracious act, it can be very stressful for the caregiver, especially when the person being helped is completely dependent on the caregiver or doesn’t openly express his gratitude. It can also be heartbreaking to see a loved one in such a vulnerable state.
Luckily, there are several things caregivers can do to avoid burnout and cope with the emotional stress associated with caregiving. One of the first things you can do is talk to someone about the situation. Having a confidant who can sympathize with the situation and validate your feelings is a crucial outlet for relieving stress. This is a way for the person who is providing the caregiving to have their own source of support. By confiding in someone else, your relationship with that person will probably become stronger, and having strong relationships leads to decreased stress.
Taking a few moments each day to do something you love is crucial to reducing stress. Such activities are also reenergizing. Options include going on a walk or run, reading a book, or watching a favorite TV show. If you don’t have much time, just a few minutes of deep breathing or meditation can have a calming effect. Some people prefer to de-stress by spending time with friends and family. A trip to the bowling alley or a favorite restaurant can be an enjoyable outing for the entire family and have great emotional benefits for you.
Setting boundaries with the person you are caring for is also crucial. It may initially seem unkind to set limits, but it is impossible to provide the best possible care if you are not taking care of yourself. These boundaries are often simple requests that limit the stress in your life and have little effect on the person you are providing care for. For example, you may request that the person you are caring for doesn’t call you after ten p.m. unless there is an emergency. This will enable you to get a solid night’s sleep. Another option is to enlist the support of another family member. Perhaps someone else can be deliver meals once a week or be the emergency point person on a certain day of the week.
Being a caregiver is rewarding, especially if you take the time to care for yourself. Enlisting the support of others and taking time out of each day to do something you enjoy are both great ways to get the most out of every day.
Want to find out more about caregiver stress, then visit Susan R. Love’s site on how to choose the best independent living products and services for your caregiving needs.
categories: caregiving,healthy caregiving,seniors,elderly care,homecare,caregiver,baby boomers