Caring for aging loved ones was never an easy prospect. However, up until this generation, caregiver stress was not such an issue. Families lived in multi-generational households and together they shared the burden of a sick or elderly loved one. With the burden falling on far fewer, we need to care for the caregiver too!
Scattered Families
Today, families are scattered and the responsibility for care falls on the spouse to shoulder almost alone. There’s so much to consider on a daily basis. It’s easy for their needs to get lost in the mix. The spouse usually has their own physical problems of decreased mobility, strength and pain discomfort often followed by depression. It’s clear that these caregivers need help, but is the help that is available enough to relieve the stress?
How can we make sure they meet their needs they’re working so hard to care for someone else?
A Time Magazine blog post had several helpful tips that may prove useful if you’re in that situation. Care for the caregiver is so important.
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Support Groups are Helpful: Often just speaking to others who are in the same situation you are day after day is a good way to connect, relax, and recharge. Local hospitals and churches sometimes offer caregiver support groups. Even the local rec center may have support programs for caregivers.
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Look Online: Sometimes when you can’t connect in person, you may be able to connect online in a forum or via social media groups on channels like Facebook. Make certain, though, that you utilize caregiver focused groups, as those that include patients and family may have you worried you’ll step on someone else’s feelings.
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Write: If you’re journaling, you may be able to relieve some stress. There are several different ways to handle this. Some use a gratitude journal where they record things for which they’re grateful. Others simply use a journaling space where they can vent. No matter how you use it, you’re certain to find some solace in simply recording your thoughts.
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Get Technical: There are several apps that may help you stay organized, which can alleviate the stress of your situation. Ask others about the apps they use or do some searching to figure how what can help you keep track of those appointments and medications.
Caregiver stress can be incredible at times, but there are ways to deal with it. Don’t forget to enlist the help of professional caregivers, like those at David York Agency. That way, care for the caregiver is a welcome and useful byproduct.
David York Agency Home Healthcare Can Help Seniors
At David York Agency, we understand the many challenges and risks faced by the aging and elderly and are dedicated to providing care to support them through all of those ups and down. At David York Home Healthcare Agency, extraordinary service is what sets us apart from other companies that provide in home healthcare services.
DYA we could provide direction as to how to manage the total care of your senior loved one. Whatever your care needs, we are there for you, always striving to exceed your expectations. For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at (718) 376-7755. A free phone consultation can help you determine what services would meet your needs. We aim to provide you and your loved one with the assistance they need. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
For more helpful tips and information, check out our blog or contact us today.
