DEALING WITH CARE GIVERS STRESS

Who are care givers? In this case we are speaking of family members taking care of family members. The majority of these care givers in the United States are daughters and granddaughters taking care of their elderly, ill, or disabled, parents and grandparents. Care givers can also refer to a spouse taking care of an ill or disabled spouse. Care givers most often help with basic daily tasks such as; eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, giving medicine, paying bills, housework, cooking, shopping, as well as making and keeping doctor's appointments. Most care givers accomplish all these tasks while keeping full or part time jobs and taking care of their own children as well. For care givers, stress is a common response.

Care givers report not having enough time for themselves. This naturally leads to care giver stress. Signs and symptoms of care giver stress include; sleeping too much or too little, change in eating habits, lack of energy, mood swings, frequent stomach aches, and frequent headaches.

So how do you deal with care giver stress? Choose to take care of yourself too. This is a difficult task for most people suffering from care giver stress; because they feel if they take time for themselves they are taking time away from others. Ultimately, however, if you take care of yourself you will be able to be a better care giver. Start simply, taking time to get yourself to a doctor for a checkup. While at your check up, discuss exercise, rest and vitamins with your health care provider. Your doctor can help you investigate respite care. Respite care is care provided by another family member or an elder agency to help relieve care giver stress. Some forms of respite care are covered by insurance. Insurance companies recognize that a care giver suffering from care giver stress will lead ultimately to increase medical bills.

Care giving can be a rewarding experience; being able to give back to the ones who cared for you. Allow yourself time to recover from and prevent care giver stress. It will benefit both of you.