subject: Home Care Services Help Family Caregivers Manage Stress [print this page] Home care responsibilities for an aging loved one can be demanding and overwhelming, so family caregivers must take steps to maintain good physical and mental health, understand and recognize the signs of caregiver stress and get the appropriate help when needed. In fact, according to a 2011 survey from the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA), taking care of personal health and lack of respite care were among the top concerns for family caregivers. These are significant concerns and it is important to know that there is help available.
Most family caregivers are providing Alzheimer's care or elderly care for aging family members, while simultaneously raising their own family and managing a career. Juggling a large number of responsibilities for a prolonged amount of time can cause stress and anxiety for caregivers.
Here are signs of caregiver stress:
Exhaustion - It may seem that there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done. As family caregivers' home care or Alzheimer's care responsibilities increase over time, the pressure to do more becomes greater, but exhaustion leads to feeling helpless that it is not possible to "do it all" or "do it well."
Sleeplessness - Ironically, caregivers who are overwhelmed and in need of rest, may not be able to relax long enough to sleep. Many family caregivers constantly worry about the health and well-being of their loved ones and are unable to sleep at night because of their concerns or thinking about the things they need to do the next day.
Anxiety - As caregivers become overwhelmed, they may experience feelings of anxiety about the future. They worry that they are not doing a good enough job providing elderly care for their family member, raising their children or performing their career responsibilities.
Health Problems - A combination of sleeplessness and anxiety can lead to any number of health problems including depression, excessive weight loss or weight gain, a weakened immune system and chronic fatigue.
Many family caregivers are in denial about caregiver stress, but need to understand that the pressure they are under is real and that there is support available. Professional elderly care and Alzheimer's care services are available to provide respite services or on-going assistance to families caring for aging loved ones. Home care services are available part-time and full-time and are customized to work with the family's current care program to meet and support everyone's specific needs.
by: Kara Knapp
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