Caregiver Stress: What You Should Know

caregiver stress

What is caregiver stress? Find out all about it and what you can do to cope if you’re caring for your elderly family member.

Family caregivers are those family members such as adult children, who care for their elderly parents or even grand parents. 

caregiver stress

In the Philippine setting, this is prevalent, as our close and tight-knit traditions emphasize family and caring for the elderly.

This said, family caregivers have a huge responsibility, especially if they are also the so-called sandwich generation that is caring for their children as well.

Caregiver Stress: What is it?

As a caregiver for a parent or a loved one who is aging, or even adults with special needs, the daily responsibilities can be overwhelming. This can lead to an increased level of stress.

While they are caring for their vulnerable family members, they may not know that they are also putting their own health and well-being at risk.

Here is what you should know about caregiver stress.

  • Those who are caregivers in the family may also experience poor to fair physical health.
  • They may also have to rearrange their work schedule or their daily routine.
  • They may have to take more leaves off work or skip work or classes to do fulfill their care-giving responsibilities
  • They may also be more likely to suffer from anxiety as the responsibility lies on them.
  • They may suffer from emotional stress as well as depression.
  • They may tend to forego opportunities or career advancement in order to care for their loved ones.

Coping with Caregiver Stress

Keep yourself healthy

Maintain a healthy diet as this can also affect your overall health and your mood. Eat right and sleep right.

Take a break

Remember that you don’t have to do it all. Take some time off work. Have a short vacation. Get temporary help if needed. Take time to wind down daily if only to rest and rejuvenate your body for the day ahead.

Talk about it

The life of a family caregiver can be lonely. Especially when you’re doing it alone. Isolation can be a problem. Make an effort to stay in contact with family and friends as this can also help you manage stress and make you feel less lonely.

Find support groups

These days, there are many online avenues where you can get help and support. This will allow you to learn or just have someone to talk to.

Ask for help

There is no shame in asking for help. Know when you have reached your limits as there will be family members and other people who can help take the load off your shoulders.

There are places and facilities such as Blessed Home that accepts short-term care for elderly and adult with special needs. We can help.

 

 

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