Relieving Caregiver Stress

caregiver stress relief

Throughout this series, we’ve discussed various aspects of caregiver stress, from statistics regarding depression and anxiety, why it occurs and its effects, to the signs that may indicate you’re suffering from caregiver stress.

Now that you have a better understanding of its causes and effects, we’re going to discuss a few steps you can take in order to help relieve caregiver stress. Take a look below:

Ask for help. This is a point we really like to stress: there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking for help. For many, it can already be hard enough to take care of themselves. As a caregiver, though, you find that those responsibilities double as you begin to take care of your loved one, as well.

In turn, more often than not, you end up giving up many of your own personal responsibilities, leading to health complications, both mental and physical. Avoid this by asking for a helping hand as often as you can. Whether it is from a close friend or family member, or even a respite care program, there are plenty of options out there to help lessen any potential burdens.

Take a break, daily. Take a moment for yourself throughout the day. Even if it is just a brief half hour, taking the time to distress and gain your bearings will help you improve your attitude significantly, as well as help you feel in control of your own time.

Make time for yourself and for friends. Above all, it is important to take a moment and make time for your own life. Never sacrifice or put on hold your health, hobbies or friendships, because when the caregiving ends, you don’t want to force yourself to pick up things where they were left off.

Use these things as a form of support to help carry you through your aging loved one’s journey. In the end, it will help make things much easier for you.

Stress seems like an inevitable part of caregiving due to the passion we put into caring for our loved ones. But caregiver stress is not something any caregiver should have to accept.

Having an understanding of what caregiver stress entails and the steps you can take to help relieve or prevent caregiver stress will not only help you stay in good health, both mentally and physically, but also ensure that you are able to provide the best possible care for your loved ones for many years to come.

At Physicians’ Choice, we understand that the caregiver is the backbone of senior care. As always, if you ever have any questions or concerns about the information we’ve outlined above, please feel free to give us a call. We are always here to help.

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

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“Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living solves the challenges families face in caring for aging parents, with a focus on strategies that keep them in their homes. To learn more about our solutions, visit http://www.private-duty.pchhc.com.”