3 minute read
caregiver fatigue
urrently, nearly 20% of seniors have significant long-term care needs. This number is expected to grow by nearly 53%. As the population ages, more caregiving is being provided by family and friends who are not health care professionals. About one in three adults in the United States provides care to other adults as informal caregivers.
Taking on the role of caregiver to an ill spouse or partner, disabled child or aging loved one can be rewarding, but also very stressful. The emotional and physical strain associated with being a caregiver is very common. It is important to know you are not alone and to recognize the risk factors and signs of caregiver fatigue. It is vitally important that you take care of yourself to effectively take care of others.
People who experience caregiver fatigue can be vulnerable to changes in their own health. Risk factors include:
Financial difficulties
History of depression
Being a live-in caregiver
Social isolation
Lack of suppor t from others
Lack of coping skills and difficulty problem solving
When you are focused on caring for your loved one, you may not realize that your own health and wellbeing are suffering. Watch for these signs of caregiver fatigue:
Getting too much or too little sleep
Feeling tired often
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious or constantly worrying
Weight gain or loss
Becoming easily irritated or angry
Loss of interest in activities
Feeling sad, depressed or lonely
Frequent headaches, body pain or other physical symptoms
Drug or alcohol abuse
Increased physical and emotional stress placed on your body especially over a long period of time can be harmful to your personal health and well-being. The demands associated with caregiving can lead to increased depression and anxiety. In addition, if your sleep patterns are altered, you lack physical activity, and you are not eating a balanced diet, you will increase your risk of medical problems including but not limited to heart disease and diabetes.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. It’s important to take advantage of the many tools and resources available to help you provide care for your loved one.
Don’t be afraid to ask for and accept help. Come up with a list of things that others can do to assist you from light housekeeping and laundry to meal trains to running errands for you.
Feel good about the care that you can provide. Remember, most adults that take on a caregiving role are not healthcare professionals. Don’t feel guilty or feel the need for perfection. You are giving your loved one an incredible gift with your time, care and compassion at this phase of life. Know you are doing the very best job that you can.
Set realistic goals. Prioritize, make lists and establish a daily routine. It is okay to say no to requests that are draining.
Get connected. Find out about caregiver resources in your community including respite care options. Caregiving services such as a non-medical home care agency can help supplement the care you are providing your loved one by assisting with bathing, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping and laundry, along with transportation. There are also adult care centers and even short-term nursing home stays if you need to be away for a period.
Join a support group. Surround yourself with others who can empathize with your role as a caregiver and the physical and emotional demands that are placed on you. Encourage each other and look for problem-solving strategies for difficult situations.
Set aside time for your personal health and wellbeing each day. This may include taking a walk outside, visiting with a friend or loved one, reading a book, or making time for personal appointments.
If you are a caregiver who also works outside the home, check with your Human Resource office about the Family Medical Leave Act which may allow you to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year to care for a relative.
For many, providing care for a loved one is rewarding, a core value and something you wish to provide. Be aware of the signs of fatigue and don’t wait to act so that you stay healthy and able to fulfil the caregiver role for your loved one.
TANYA FERBER Senior Helpers Home Care of Eastern North Dakota
Tanya is a Fargo native and holds a Bachelor’s in Nursing from North Dakota State University and a Master’s in Business from the University of Phoenix. She has a passion for being a trusted advisor and helping the elderly in her community and their families navigate options to ensure a better quality of life. Senior Helpers provides dependable and affordable in home care at a moment’s notice. Visit seniorhelpers.com/nd/fargo. [ aw ]
