Caregiver Support

Tips for the Caregiver

Being a caregiver can be exhausting—both physically and emotionally. Many caregivers find it much easier to focus on their loved one’s needs, and neglect their own.

Regardless of age, sex, race and ethnicity, caregivers report the following health concerns: exhaustion, poor eating habits, failure to exercise, postponing or missing medical appointments, anxiety, stress, isolation, depression, and frustration.

Additionally, caregivers are at increased risk for excessive use of alcohol, tobacco, and

other drugs. Studies show that an estimated 46 to 59 percent of caregivers are clinically depressed.

If you are a caregiver, it is essential to find the time and resources to take care of your own health. Taking care of yourself first is the only way you can continue to effectively care for your loved one.

Remember, giving your all does not mean giving up your own health and well-being. You can develop skills for coping with the challenges of being a caregiver.

Here are some suggestions you may find helpful:

• Identify sources of stress.
• Get the food and rest you need.
• Take time for yourself.
• Let others take part in the work of caregiving.
• Seek and accept support for yourself.
• Watch out for destructive ways of coping.

Identify sources of stress.

• You probably cannot change a family member who has always been demanding or stubborn, but you can control how you respond to the demands.
• Small changes can make a big difference. Sometimes letting go of unrealistic expectations, or adjusting your standards of how frequently—or how well—you perform a task (such as housekeeping) will make a significant difference.

Get the food and rest you need.

* Make yourself sit down and eat three meals a day; it is easy to ignore your own need for nourishment when you are busy and under stress.
* If your sleep at night is disturbed by giving care, take a nap during the day while your loved one rests.
* Try to find someone who will provide occasional or even regular nighttime care.

Take time for yourself.

• Let yourself be alone for a short time to clear your head. CompassionCare Hospice volunteers can be used to provide respite care so that you can take a much-needed break.
• Get out for a breath of fresh air or a change of scenery—even a brief walk can make a difference.
• Exercise has many benefits—it promotes better sleep, reduces tension and depression, lifts spirits, and increases energy. Think of ways you can fit exercise into your daily routine.
• Relax in a warm bathtub, read a book, or listen to music.
• Go to a movie or have lunch with a friend.

Let others take part in the work of caregiving.

• Learn to accept and ask for help, especially from family, friends, and community. This will help you, plus, others won’t feel so powerless when they feel included by doing something—anything—to help.
• Make a list of tasks and put them in order, according to what is important for you to be involved in versus things you can ask someone else to do. Then you can offer specific ways that others can help: making meals, running errands, sitting with your loved one, or taking the children out.
• CompassionCare Hospice volunteers are also available to help you with these tasks.
• Use community resources. The local Area Agency on Aging or Senior Services Division, is a good place to find out about programs and services in your community. (More resources can be found in The CompassionCare Hospice Patient Care Handbook)

Seek and accept support for yourself.

• Talk to friends and family about your feelings. All feelings are legitimate, even those that upset you (anger, sadness, guilt). It is healthy to cry and express emotions.
• A support group can help relieve tension, give a new perspective on the situation, increase understanding, and build support. Some groups are oriented to specific diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s Disease, or Alzheimer’s Disease.
• Find ways to care for your spiritual self. Whether or not you are affiliated with a particular religion, seeking guidance from someone who shares your spiritual outlook can help. Our CompassionCare Hospice chaplains are available to provide spiritual support.

Watch out for destructive ways of coping.

• These include drinking too much, misusing medications, and overeating. Seek medical advice if you experience changes in your health such as stomach ailments or high blood pressure.