Providing care for loved ones can be extremely fulfilling and challenging at the same time. It’s important that caregivers take care of themselves so they can remain hopeful, energetic, and optimistic to provide proper care.
Signs of caregiver stress include:
- Feeling overwhelmed, frustrated and angry
- Making mistakes when giving care
- Feeling alone, isolated, or deserted
- Not getting enough sleep
- Getting too much sleep
- Gaining or losing a lot of weight
- Feeling tired frequently
- Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Becoming easily irritated
- Feeling constantly worried or sad
- Having headaches or body aches often
The demands of family caregiving change as the needs of your loved one change. It’s important to frequently re-assess how you, as a family caregiver, are doing as needs typically intensify slowly – and all of a sudden, like the proverbial frog in a pot of water, you find you are boiling over with stress.
Some day-to-day physical ways to manage stress include:
- Get regular exercise
- Participate in extracurricular activities
- Eat a balanced diet
- Pamper yourself
- Meditate
- Stay on track with your own health
- Get plenty of sleep
- Get regular doctor check-ups
There are also a number of ways to manage the emotional and mental aspects of caregiving:
- Talk with supportive friends
- Get support from family members
- Celebrate small victories
- Applaud your own efforts
- Enjoy a good laugh
- Join a caregiver support group
- Get help when you need it
- Set routines and stay organized
Not only is day-to-day stress management important, sometimes you just need an extended break. Even a stay-cation for a few days, with someone else handling caregiving tasks, can be a welcome relief. Of course, a beautiful beach or peaceful mountaintop are great retreat spots as well!
As we move into a more open phase of the pandemic, people are once again making travel plans. Caregivers from Assisting Hands Cincinnati Home Care offer respite care of all sorts – from a week of 24/7 care so you can get away to a few hours each day (or for a few days a week) so you can take care of yourself and your own household needs. Our caregivers can handle a wide variety of home care, including meal preparation, medication reminders, showers and personal care, getting ready for the day, and settling down at the end of the day. Get in touch now to get your summer plans in place!
