Recognizing and Treating Caregiver Stress

Senior Care Solutions and Support For Home work with many seniors and their family members -- many of whom are caregivers in their own right.  We see and learn about issues that caregivers face all the time, and it is very important that they be able to recognize those issues and that they have resources to help.

Below are some of the signs to watch for and some resources that might help.  The first and most important thing we want caregivers -- family or professional -- to do, however, is to be willing to admit they are human and that they cannot do everything and be everything to their loved one or their client.

Physical signs of Care giving Stress:

• Disturbed sleep
• Back, shoulder, neck pain, muscle tension
• Headaches
• Stomach, digestive problems
• Unusual loss of hair
• Fatigue
• High blood pressure
• Chest pain
• Excessive perspiration
• Skin disorders
• Weakened immune system

Emotional signs of Care Giving Stress:

• Anxiety/depression
• Moodiness/mood swings
• Irritability, easily frustrated
• Memory problems/lack of concentration
• Feeling out of control
• Phobias
• Argumentative
• Feeling of isolation
• Job dissatisfaction

Tips for avoiding and managing Care Giver Stress:

• Work out
• Meditate
• Ask for help
• Set realistic goals
• Prioritize: Establish a daily routine
• Take a break: family, friends, volunteers or professional care givers can help
• Eat well: eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and protein
• Take care of yourself: get your annual checkup
• Indulge: treat yourself to something nice
• Support: find a local care giver support group

Some places to go to for support: Helpful Resources

• Support For Home
  1333 Howe Ave., Suite 206
  Sacramento, CA 95825
  http://www.supportforhome.com/
  916.482.8484
  530.792.8484
• Senior Care Solutions
  916.965.5565
  http://www.seniorcs.com/
• Leeza’s Place
  888.ok.leeza
  http://www.leezasplace.org/
• National Family Caregiver Association (NFCA)
  800.869.3650
  http://www.nfcacares.org/
• Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA)
  415.434.3388
  http://www.caregiver.org/
• Administration on Aging (AOA)
  800.677.1116
  http://www.aoa.dhhs.gov/
• Well Spouse Foundation
  800.838.0879
  http://www.wellspouse.org/
• National Alzheimer’s Association
  800.272.3900
  http://www.alz.org/
• National Council on Aging
  http://www.benefitscheckup.org/

The best way to provide excellent care for your loved one or client is to take excellent care of yourself!

Best wishes,

Carol Kinsel, Senior Care Solutions










Bert Cave, Support For Home