Today we are going to talk about being a family caregiver and mental or personal health. There is a lot of research done that shows the psychological and physical toll being a family caregiver has on a person. Since both these aspects of health are affected, it is crucial to know about the healthy lifestyle habits that can be used to help reduce the stress of this position. Before diving into that, it can help to recognize how caregiving is affecting you personally and how elder care can help.
Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout
How do you know if your caregiving responsibilities are affecting you personally? Well, there are some signs you might have including, but not limited to, the following:
- Exhaustion
- Stress
- Anger
- Sadness
- Overwhelmed
- Loneliness
- Tight muscles
- Headaches
- Feeling tired
- Chest pain
- Libido changes
- Insomnia
- Stomach pains
- Diarrhea/constipation
Are you experiencing these issues as a result of taking care of your elderly loved one? If so, it may be a good time to hire elder care providers. These are professionals who can come take care of your elderly loved one. That way, you can get a break or stop doing so much for your elderly loved one.
Tips for Managing Caregiver Burnout
Have you found that you are burnt out from taking care of your elderly loved one? If so, there are many ways that you can manage this issue and get the help that you need and deserve. Some of the best tips for managing caregiver burnout include:
- Getting emotional support from family members and friends (talking about your burdens and what is bothering you can help a great deal)
- Getting physical support from family members and friends (having others step up to help out when possible can take some of the pressure off from you)
- Hiring elder care providers to take care of certain tasks for your elderly loved one, so you don’t have to
- Set realistic goals (instead of putting so much pressure on yourself for goals that you can’t meet, especially all on your own)
- Take care of your own health (go see your doctor, take your medications, do exercises, eat better, practice deep breathing, do meditation, etc.)
- Go to a support group (there are many support groups for family caregiving)
- These are just some of the many ways you can handle caregiver burnout. If you are dealing with this and it won’t let up, make sure to reach out to someone for help. If it hasn’t gotten to this point yet, get help before it does.
Conclusion
Now that you have a better idea of what to do for your personal and mental health in regard to family caregiving, you can improve the situation you are in. Don’t forget that if you don’t have help from family members or friends or just can’t get enough help, there are elder care providers who are able and willing to help out you and your elderly loved one, too.
If you or someone you know needs Elder Care in Rochester, MN, contact Adara Home Health Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services for many fragile or senior members in the communities we serve.
Call us at (888) 660-5772 for more information
Sources
https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body