Caregiver stress is becoming a major issue in our modern world. With people living longer, there is an even greater need for people to care for those who cannot take care of themselves. Those caregivers are in danger of having their own mental, physical, and emotional issues.
A caregiver can be defined as anyone that provides help for someone who can no longer do regular daily tasks. The majority are unpaid and are related in some way to the person that they give care to. At least 45 million people are caregivers today, with that number climbing everyday. Oftentimes, it involves caring for an elderly family member. However, many are also parents who must care for a disabled child.
At some point in their lives almost everyone will face this job. The majority are women and some have an outside job in addition to looking after their loved one. Those who work usually have to make significant adjustments to their work schedule. It might even be wise to talk with your employer about taking some unpaid leave so that your stress level does not go too high.
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.
One negative outcome is that those who take care of others for an extended period of time are likely to eventually suffer serious medical issues of their own. They are much more likely to suffer problems like depression and heart disease. When they do become ill, they seem to take longer to recuperate.
There are some solutions to this stress factor. If needed, talk to a counselor or a psychologist. Also talk to your own medical doctor. Some places offer training classes on how to be an effective caregiver for particular things like dementia. Be willing to take help when it is offered by others. Do not feel like you have to do everything. Set priorities of things that must be done, and do not worry about all the little things. If possible, talk to other family members to see if they can give you some help. Also, take some time for just yourself. Do not break off all your social ties. You need outside stimulation to help keep yourself healthy.
Even though the stress can be high for this responsibility, you can also reap many positive rewards. Many feel like they are giving back and that they are truly needed. Some even report gaining a better and stronger relationship for the loved one.
Caregiver stress can definitely have a major negative impact on a person. However, most states and local communities have information on agencies that can help both you and the one who needs care. Your local Area Agency on Aging is an excellent source for valuable information. Their resources are virtually limitless. Many communities also offer help by way of things such as adult day care and respite care. Be sure to take advantage of any available resources. Also, if possible, talk to others in your same situation.
A caregiver can be defined as anyone that provides help for someone who can no longer do regular daily tasks. The majority are unpaid and are related in some way to the person that they give care to. At least 45 million people are caregivers today, with that number climbing everyday. Oftentimes, it involves caring for an elderly family member. However, many are also parents who must care for a disabled child.
At some point in their lives almost everyone will face this job. The majority are women and some have an outside job in addition to looking after their loved one. Those who work usually have to make significant adjustments to their work schedule. It might even be wise to talk with your employer about taking some unpaid leave so that your stress level does not go too high.
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.
One negative outcome is that those who take care of others for an extended period of time are likely to eventually suffer serious medical issues of their own. They are much more likely to suffer problems like depression and heart disease. When they do become ill, they seem to take longer to recuperate.
There are some solutions to this stress factor. If needed, talk to a counselor or a psychologist. Also talk to your own medical doctor. Some places offer training classes on how to be an effective caregiver for particular things like dementia. Be willing to take help when it is offered by others. Do not feel like you have to do everything. Set priorities of things that must be done, and do not worry about all the little things. If possible, talk to other family members to see if they can give you some help. Also, take some time for just yourself. Do not break off all your social ties. You need outside stimulation to help keep yourself healthy.
Even though the stress can be high for this responsibility, you can also reap many positive rewards. Many feel like they are giving back and that they are truly needed. Some even report gaining a better and stronger relationship for the loved one.
Caregiver stress can definitely have a major negative impact on a person. However, most states and local communities have information on agencies that can help both you and the one who needs care. Your local Area Agency on Aging is an excellent source for valuable information. Their resources are virtually limitless. Many communities also offer help by way of things such as adult day care and respite care. Be sure to take advantage of any available resources. Also, if possible, talk to others in your same situation.
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