By Laura Lampert, Health Services Counselor, Meadows Communities
Do you know someone who provides care to a loved one or someone in need? Chances are you probably do. Caregiving is the act of providing care to someone who is in need of assistance with their own activities of daily living (ADLs). Caregivers are important in the lives of those dealing with chronic illnesses. Many times, caregivers are family members, such as a spouse or an adult child. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 83 percent of caregivers are a family member (www.cdc.gov/aging/caregivingfacts.htm). Family caregiving can be extremely challenging as it can be a consistent, long-term commitment with little room for separation from your loved one. Although it can be extremely rewarding, caregiving can lead to stress and burnout, which affects not only physical health but emotional well-being.
As an individual who has personally experienced providing care and support to a loved one, I now know the importance of caring for yourself all too well. The first step to ensure that you avoid burnout is being familiar with the common signs and symptoms of caregiver stress:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty sleeping
- New or worsening health problems
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Cutting back on personal interests
The next step is to be willing to focus on the issues that you might be facing. If you find yourself experiencing any these symptoms, know that there are techniques to assist you with coping and to reduce your overall levels of caregiver stress. Many of these techniques are simple and readily available. Listed below are three simple guidelines to help you reduce or eliminate caregiver stress and to improve your skill set as a family caregiver.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
It is very common to want to do everything ourselves, especially as a family caregiver. The feeling of responsibility can be an emotional burden. Remind yourself that is alright to let go of some of the control and seek out assistance from others. Be honest with others about what you need from them and how they can help. Ask your neighbor or friend to come and sit with your loved one as you take a walk or go to a movie. Be willing to accept others help when offered.
Focus on your own health: physical and emotional
Be sure to follow through with your own medical appointments. Take time out of your schedule to focus on physical exercise. Exercise can immediately reduce stress and improve your mood, which in return will make you an even better, more focused, caregiver.
Utilize community resources
Bloomington/Normal and the surrounding areas are rich in community resources that can provide additional support to caregivers. Attend a local support group. Meeting with others that are in a similar situation can be extremely therapeutic and help to ease your worries. Research educational seminars and classes that are available to gain additional knowledge of your loved one’s medical condition and specific need. Seek out a mental health professional for someone to talk with about your burdens and stress.
Quality care is vital to those dealing with chronic or terminal conditions. The experience of providing care can be rewarding, especially when the caregiver recognizes the importance of managing their own health and stress levels. Implementing techniques to properly manage caregiver stress will likely result in a successful, long-term caregiving situation.
Meadows offers a full-range of senior living options — Independent Living, Independent Living — Plus!, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing Care, Memory Care, Respite Care, and Achieve! Wellness and Rehab Therapy — with two locations: Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community in Chenoa and Meadows at Mercy Creek in Normal. To learn more about senior living options at Meadows, visit www.meadowscommunities.org, or contact Holly Hall at 309-268-1501.