With an aging population expected to double by 2030, researchers are alarmed at a senior family health caregiver crisis in the making. In other words, all who give care to their families need to take care of themselves. Relief from the stress of personal caregiving starts with recognizing the importance of general self-care and practicing it regularly. For these unselfish individuals, self-care is not selfish:
1. Name your symptoms and sources of stress. Left unchecked, these stressors will become stress-related illnesses. Realize that some situations in caregiving are out of your control.
2. Adjust your attitude to a positive one.
3. Decide on a course of action.
4. Use healthy self-care practices daily – not just in a difficult-to-control situation. Choose things that are good for your body, heart, mind, and spirit.
5. Research shows that people who take an active, problem-solving approach to caregiving issues are less likely to feel stressed than those who react by worrying or feeling helpless.
6. Avoid stress-numbing behaviors. These can consist of complaining and blaming, drugs and drinking, overeating, and buying/spending sprees. They are only illusions of self-care but if overused or used in place of problem-solving action, they can lead to more stress.
Specifically, here are helpful hints to relieve caregiving stress:
1. Talk with peers and trusted friends. Find a treatment center or support group that can help you and/or your loved one.
2. Know your limits based on your own capabilities, family situation, and professional workload.
3. Ask for and accept help from family, friends, and community resources.
4. Take care of your own health as mentioned in Part 4 of this series: Get proper sleep and eat a healthy diet, make time for routine medical visits and tests, exercise frequently, enjoy your own interests, and meditate or relax daily for five minutes.
5. If necessary, consider another living arrangement that would better help you meet your needs and that of your loved one. A paid caregiver or a move to an assisted/independent living residence for both of you–or for the patient, a move to a nursing home–are all possibilities. Hospice care is generally also available for terminal care in your own residence.
