Caring for aging loved ones was never an easy prospect. However, up until now, 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. Today, families are scattered and the responsibility for care falls on the spouse or child to shoulder almost alone. Here are some tips for caring for the caregiver!
It is easy to overlook the caregiver.
There’s so much to consider on a daily basis, and 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 you ensure your needs are met while you’re working so hard to care for someone else?
A recent Time Magazine blog post had several helpful tips for caring for the caregiver that may prove useful if you’re in that situation.
- 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.
- Look Online:
Sometimes when you can’t connect in person, you may be able to connect online in a forum. Social media groups on channels like Facebook make it easy. You may also want to utilize caregiver focused groups for just caregivers so that you may share feelings freely.
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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.
- 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.
The stress can be overwhelming.
Caregiver stress can be incredible at times, but there are ways to deal with it. Read the full Time Magazine article when you have a moment, and don’t forget to enlist the help of professional caregivers, like those at the David York Agency.
David York Home Healthcare Agency is fully acquainted with all factors related to eldercare services and is always available to set up a senior care plan taking the whole patient into account. David York Agency provides skilled home health aide services for the elderly in their home and is abreast of all the latest guidelines for seniors. Contact us at 908.373.5300 and visit our website. You can also like us on on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or LinkedIn.
