Taking care of others can take a toll

Posted on Oct 30, 2011 | 2 comments

Taking care of others can take a toll

CAREGIVING—

 
 
Caregiving is a demanding responsibility. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed at times. But as you focus on taking care of your family member, remember that it’s important to take care of yourself as well.

Research has shown that caregiving can have a negative impact on the health of the caretaker. For instance, three out of five caregivers show signs of clinical depression. And caregivers take more prescription drugs—including those that treat anxiety and depression—than others.

Try these strategies to help you maintain your own mental and physical health:

• Take advantage of community resources. Be realistic about how much time and effort you can devote to care. Seek help from other family members and friends to fill the gaps. Because trying to do everything yourself can lead to burnout, check out caregiver services in your community. They may be offered by your Area Agency on Aging, veterans’ associations, senior centers, and adult day care services.
• Seek emotional support. The burdens of caregiving are constant, but can be lightened when you share your challenges with other people. Sharing your troubles with a trusted friend or family member, counselor, therapist, or spiritual adviser can help you gain strength and encouragement. Consider joining a caregiver support group in your community or online. Sharing with others who face similar problems can be invaluable.
• Manage your stress. Taking time to do things for yourself on a regular basis can help ease stress and restore a sense of control. Simple but important activities, such as exercising regularly, walking in your neighborhood, spending time with friends, or doing other things you enjoy may help reduce or prevent stress.
• Take care of yourself. Taking care of your personal health is not selfish—it’s imperative for you and the person you care for. To do so, eat a healthy diet, get enough rest, exercise regularly, and attend to your own health care needs. See a doctor when necessary, take medications as prescribed, and make healthy lifestyle choices.

 
 
Sources

Rite Aid – “Wellness”

“A Guide to Taking Care of Yourself.” Family Caregiver Alliance, 2009. www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=784.

“Preventing Caregiver Burnout.” Helpguide.org, December 2008. www.helpguide.org/elder/caring_for_caregivers.htm.

“Preventing Caregiver Burnout.” Area Agency on Aging, 2009. www.agingcarefl.org/caregiver/fourStages/stageThree/section01.

“Taking Care of You: Self-Care for Family Caregivers.” Family Caregiver Alliance, 2003. www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=847
 
 

Frank King
a King production