10 Realistic Ways to Manage Caregiver Stress
As a primary caregiver for an aging loved one, your day-to-day responsibilities can be overwhelming and stressful. The emotional and physical demands can leave you feeling isolated, depressed, or resentful.
You can’t provide the best care for a senior loved one without taking care of yourself. Trying to tackle everything alone can put you at risk of physical and emotional fatigue, resulting in caregiver burnout or stress. Common signs of caregiver stress include:
- Alcohol or drug use
- Chronic headaches
- Constant sadness or worry
- Fatigue
- Irritability and impatience
- Loss of interest in activities
- Sleep disturbance
- Weight gain or loss
Tips to Avoid Caregiver Stress and Burnout
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20% of family caregivers say they have fair or subpar health due to stress and neglecting their own needs.
At Visiting Angels, we realize your overall self-care can take a back seat when caring for a loved one. Working with our dedicated caregivers can remove some of your day-to-day responsibilities so you can focus on the well-being of your loved one AND you.
The following tips can help you manage stress and maintain your peace of mind:
- Focus on Your Diet
Stress can weaken your immune system, leaving you more susceptible to illness. Eat regular nutritious meals to strengthen your body and support overall health. Don’t have time to cook? Delivery services can send ingredients or prepared meals right to your door.
- Make Time for Exercise
Exercise can improve your sleep and mood. Get 30 minutes of exercise daily to keep your spirits high and improve your stamina. Try brisk walking, jogging, or yoga to improve your health and mental clarity.
- Money Matters
Managing your loved one’s finances can be stressful. Download an app to track their spending, keep tabs on their account balances, and make paying bills more manageable.
- Accept Help When Offered
Neighbors, friends, and family members may offer to help in various ways, like bringing over dinner or spending quality time together. Accept a helping hand when you can—the assistance can help your loved one and you relax and feel less stressed.
- Talk with Someone
When you feel caregiver stress over time, you may start to feel resentful. Talk about your feelings with a trusted friend, counselor, or geriatric social worker.
- Hire an In-Home Caregiver
Visiting Angels can help your loved one follow a custom home care plan, which may include assistance with bathing, meal prep, and medication reminders. Even a few hours of respite care can help reduce stress.
- Take Well-Deserved Breaks
You deserve downtime, too. Professional respite care can help if you plan to be out of the house for a few hours, a day, or a vacation. Whatever your loved one needs, there are resources to help you refresh and recharge.
- Prioritize Your Mental Health
Mindfulness can help center your mental state. Set aside a few minutes to enjoy a cup of coffee, pray, do yoga, or meditate. Some popular apps can help, or you could schedule a well-deserved massage or manicure.
- Become More Social
Feelings of isolation are common when caring for someone around the clock. Having a healthy social life is important for your well-being. Schedule regular phone calls with friends and family. Seek support groups in person and online to meet others in a similar situation.
- Get Better Rest
Sleep deprivation can impact your mood, memory, and judgment, and contributes to health challenges like obesity and high blood pressure. Consider respite or in-home care to help you and your senior get better sleep.
Visiting Angels Can Help Reduce In-Home Care Stress
Our professional and dedicated caregivers are here to provide the assistance you need to prioritize the well-being of your loved one and you. Our caregivers understand the challenges you face and are equipped to lend a helping hand.
Contact us today, and let us provide the support and assistance you and your loved one deserve. You are not alone—help is as close as your nearest Visiting Angels home care office.