Caregivers need to care for themselves, too

This article was originally published on May 29, 2012 and expired on August 1, 2012. It is provided here for archival purposes and may contain dated information.

If you're a caregiver, maintaining your energy and vitality is important for you personally and for your family, said a University of Illinois Extension family life educator.

"The roles and responsibilities a person has as a caregiver can seem overwhelming. Because the demands of caregiving can continue indefinitely, it's important to understand the warning signs of stress and how to cope with the pressures," said Cheri Burcham.

According to Burcham, surveys show that many caregivers frequently feel frustrated, anxious, and depressed. They also often experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach disorders, and sleeplessness. Each caregiver experiences his or her own warning signs and symptoms of stress and needs to be aware of them. They can often indicate that the caregiver is reaching burnout.

What are some ways that caregivers can manage stress and take care of themselves?

Caregivers can:

• Express their feelings to others, for example, a trusted family member, friend, clergy person, or in a caregiver support group.

• Rid themselves of the mental attitude that they have to do it all; they should try to delegate tasks to other family members or to service providers in the community.

• Take care of their physical health, eating balanced meals and exercising regularly.

• Continue the social activities that are most meaningful to them and try to keep involved with groups and hobbies.

• Avoid negative ways of coping with stress, for example, over- or under eating, relying on alcohol, and misusing drugs.

• Encourage the care receiver to be as independent as possible.

• Take personal time, scheduling time away from their caregiving duties without feeling guilty and thinking that they have to do it all.

Respite care is also an opportunity for the caregiver to get away from their duties and recharge their batteries. This service provides for the temporary supervision of a care receiver in which a provider can come to the home or the care receiver can be taken to a location to receive care, she said.

"Often respite programs can be found in places such as hospitals, nursing homes, home health care agencies, adult day services, and religious organizations. There are many sources to contact to find out where to find respite services, including the Illinois Department on Aging Senior Helpline at 1-800-252-8966 or www.state.il.us/aging, the U.S. Administration on Aging Eldercare Locater at 1-800-677-1116 or www.aoa.gov , or the local Area Agency on Aging at http://www.state.il.us/aging/2aaa/aaa-main.htm.

"Remember, managing a care receiver's care does not mean you have to provide the care yourself; it's just making sure they are getting care," she said.

Source: Cheri Burcham, Extension Educator, Family Life, cburcham@illinois.edu

Pull date: August 1, 2012