caregivers support

How do you know if you are stressed as a caregiver? Are you feeling overly tired? Have you been extremely talkative or exceptionally quiet? Do you notice other caregivers who seem withdrawn? Did the caregiver in your life, or you overeat during the past holiday? How many pieces of pie did you eat? Frustration, anxiety, guilt and anger can all be signs of undue stress for the caregiver. Often caregivers don’t ask for help because they don’t want to be a burden, don’t know how to ask for help, can sometimes be in a state of denial or just think it’s their duty and this is all a part of their responsibility.

Caregivers need our support. Offer your support and assistance as a friend or family member. If you think expert opinions are warranted refer your friend or loved one to a life coach or another support group to share their thoughts and feelings. Don’t allow duty and embarrassment to rob the caregiver of much needed support.

I want to know how you are coping as a caregiver and all about your support system.

Remember, Caregivers Need Care Too.

Are you the primary caregiver for a loved one? Have you incorporated all the necessary details of that loved one’s life into your schedule? If you have answered, yes, to those questions, do you have a self care program for YOU? Are you keeping your doctor’s appointments? Most caregivers forget their regularly scheduled appointment and often do not reschedule. If we visit our family doctor on schedule, we forget about the other medical concerns such as the “ophthalmologist, dentist, optician, gynecologist and others. Our optimal health determines the kind of care we are able to share with our loved ones. A self care program is not just about your physical health. How about your emotional well-being? Do you schedule regular times to visit with friends — lunch, movie, art, afternoon or evening walk. This can serve as a great stress reducer. It can also help to prevent some of the drain and fatigue caregivers often experience. It can be a challenge to give your best to your loved one if you are neglecting yourself. Call a day-spa and set up a special day for you, visit the hair salon, how about a manicure and pedicure. You deserve this and more. You will look better and feel better and be more attentive as a caregiver to your loved one. Can you remember a time when you did something special for yourself? Think about it. Did others notice? How did you feel when you were complimented? It really is the little things in life that make it easier to accomplish and fulfill our responsibilities as caregivers. Share with me and others some small favor you have done for yourself this week. I believe caregivers need care too.

Category: caregivers support

Caregiver Stress

Caregivers and Self Care