More caregiving is being provided by people who aren't health care professionals. Caring for a loved one puts strains on even the most resilient of people. If you're a caregiver, be sure you’re taking steps to preserve your own health and well-being.
What is a Caregiver?
A caregiver is anyone who provides help to another person in need. This can be an ill spouse or partner, a disabled child, or an aging relative. Did you know family members who are actively caring for an older adult often don't even identify themselves as a caregiver? Recognizing this role can help caregivers not only receive but accept the support they need.
Rewarding but Stressful
Caregiving can have many rewards. For most caregivers, being there when a loved one needs you is a core value and something you wish to provide.
It’s important to understand that it is natural and very common to feel angry, frustrated, exhausted, alone or sad — Caregiver stress.
People who experience caregiver stress can be vulnerable to changes in their own health. Risk factors for caregiver stress include:
- Living with the person you are caring for
- Social isolation
- Having depression
- Financial difficulties
- Higher number of hours spent caregiving
- Lack of coping skills & difficulty solving problems
- Lack of choice in being a caregiver
Signs of Caregiver Stress
You may be so focused on your loved one that you don't realize that your own health and well-being are suffering. Be sure to watch for these signs of caregiver stress:
- Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried
- Feeling tired
- Getting too much or not enough sleep
- Gaining or losing weight
- Easily irritated or angry
- Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Feeling sad
- Frequent headaches, bodily pain or other physical problems
- Abusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications
Too much stress over a long time, can harm your health. It’s important to watch for these signs and take care of yourself too.
Dealing with Caregiver Stress
Even the most resilient person will feel the emotional and physical demands involved with caregiving. There are many resources to help you while you take care of your loved one. Remember, if you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to care for anyone else.
To help manage caregiver stress:
- Accept help. Prepared a list of ways that others can help you and don’t be afraid to ask. Sometimes people don’t know what you need. For instance, a friend may be able to take your loved one for on a walk a couple of times a week. Or a family member may be able to run an errand, pick up your groceries or cook a meal.
- Nobody is Perfect. It's normal to feel guilty sometimes, but understand that no one is a "perfect" caregiver. It’s important to remind yourself that you are doing the best you can and making the best decisions you can.
- Realistic goals. Breaking large tasks into smaller steps that you can do one at a time will help you get things done. Prioritize, make lists and be sure to create a daily routine. Begin to say no to requests that are draining, such as hosting large holiday meals.
- Get connected. Find out about caregiving resources in your community. Some communities have classes specifically about the disease your loved one may be facing. Caregiving services such as transportation, meal delivery or housekeeping may be available in your area.
- Support Groups. It’s nice to know we’re not alone. A support group can provide validation and encouragement. Learn from other caregivers and share some of your problem-solving strategies. A support group can be a great place to find and create meaningful friendships.
- Social Support. Make an effort to stay connected with family and friends who can offer emotional support. Set aside time each week for connecting. This can even be just a weekly walk with a friend.
- Personal Health Goals. Taking care of your own health is key! Try to setting goals to establish a good sleep routine, find time to be physically active on most days of the week, eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water.
Did you know many caregivers have issues with sleeping? Not getting quality sleep can cause serious health issues. If you have trouble getting a good night's sleep, talk to your doctor.
- See Your Doctor. Regular routine visits to your doctor can keep you feeling your best. Be sure to get all the recommended vaccinations and screenings. And be sure to tell your doctor that you're a caregiver! Don't hesitate to mention any concerns or symptoms you have. They’re there to help you.
- Take a Break. This can be one of the best things you do for yourself — as well as the person you're caring for. Check out your community for Adult care centres and programs. Some centres provide care for both older adults and young children, and the two groups may spend time together.
- Respite Care. CANES Community Care can help! Often family members can be tied down and need to have a relief, so they can take the time to be with the rest of their family. Our Personal Support Workers provide assistance to seniors 65+ who may or may not have a disability, who require support from a caregiver, so that the family caregiver may have free time away from or in the home.
Check out our website for more information: https://www.canes.on.ca/services/respite-care
