Managing Caregiver Stress
Caregiving, for a loved one may be the toughest job you will ever undertake. The struggle to provide quality care, make care decisions, and meet the needs of the parent or loved one are often constant and overwhelming.
That struggle can be lost if a caregiver becomes burnt-out and no longer able to provide the care for the family member.
If you answer yes to any of the questions below it may mean you are experiencing caregiver stress. It is important to seek assistance, prior to becoming burnt out.
Ask the following questions about your situation:
I find I can't get enough rest.
I don't have enough time for myself.
I don't have time to be with other family members beside the person I care for.
I feel guilty about my situation.
I don't get out much anymore.
I have conflict with the person I care for.
I have conflict with other family members.
I cry every day.
I don't feel I have enough knowledge or experience to help the person I am caring for.
If you answer yes to any of the questions it may be time to begin looking for help with caring for your parent or loved one. Contact us today we can help by providing community referrals to stress reduction programs. Let us show you how we can help.
You may be helped with the stressors of care giving by observing the Caregiver's Rights.
Caregiver's Rights
You the caregiver have the right to:
Decide when to help and when not to help
Assess how much expertise, time, or money you can give
Set attainable goals
Find the balance between family, work and caregiving
Treat yourself at least as well as the person for whom you are caring
Create space that is just for you
PLAY and LAUGH as much as possible
Enlist the help of others
Lending Library
We have a library located at our office with a number of publications and videos on caregiver stress and senior care related issues. This can help you in finding answers and assist you in caring for your loved ones. Planning, knowledge and education are the best ways for you to be able to handle the associated stresses of caregiving.
Contact us today to find out how we can help through our lending library or learn how our caregiving services can help to reduce your stress and provide you with a much needed break.
Family Caregiver Statistics
Over 1.7 million Canadians provide care for an elderly or disabled family member
70% of caregivers find it difficult and stressful
50% of caregivers say it affects their health
About 70% of caregivers re-arrange their work life as a result of caregiving
Nearly 30% of caregivers have quit, retired or experienced other job changes as a result of their care responsibilities
The Impact of Caregiving
Missing your children's activities
Declining career opportunities
Arriving to work late or leaving early
A strained relationship with a spouse or family members
Vacation time used to help a senior
Maintaining a senior's home
