Strategies to Deal with Caregiver Stress

“The closest thing to being cared for is to care for someone else.”

— Carson McCullers, American Novelist

Caring for a family member or loved one is a common occurrence here in the United States, and with our population aging, those numbers are on the rise. According to the Mayo Clinic, nearly 1 in 3 American adults are considered informal caregivers, not paid for these responsibilities but juggling them among working, raising kids, and taking care of everyday tasks, which can lead to caregiver stress.

This scenario may hit close to home if you’re a caregiver or someone you love holds down this role. The overwhelming nature of caregiving, combined with all of the pressures of life, can weigh heavily on a person.  Managing stress as a caregiver is essential, and there are ways to lighten the load.

Caregivers support loved ones on so many levels. They may be an instrumental part of a person’s recovery after an illness or injury, helping to ensure that their loved one knows when to take medication or accompanying them to a doctor or physical therapy appointment.  Caregivers make sure that their loved ones are happy, engaged, and living their best lives. As a loved one ages, they may require assistance with everyday activities like housework, grocery shopping, doing laundry, cooking, and paying bills. Personal tasks like bathing, shaving, and getting dressed may become difficult.

Signs of caregiver burnout are varied, but there are some commonalities, like issues with sleeping or eating.  Feeling alienated, hopeless, or depressed can happen as a caregiver struggles with their myriad responsibilities. A lack of patience, agitation, and a sense of being emotionally drained can occur. A pervasive sense of not enjoying activities that once brought joy is another sign of caregiver burnout. So, how can caregivers lessen stress and find ways to become grounded? 

Techniques to Relieve Caregiver Stress

*Self-care isn’t selfish:  You can’t support someone else if you are emotionally and physically depleted. Don’t feel guilty when you take some time to recharge, like going for a walk, taking a yoga class, or picking up coffee and a muffin on a random Tuesday morning. Treating yourself to a little time to decompress can give you the energy to continue being a resource for a loved one.

*Cancel your internal guilt trip: Negative self talk can creep in when you feel like you could or should do more for your loved one.  That’s just human nature.  Don’t strive for perfection.  Instead, focus on the difference that you’re making in your loved one’s life.

*Prioritize your own health: When you feel better physically, you are the best version of yourself and have more to give. When you set a consistent plan to get enough sleep and make healthy dietary choices, you’ll feel a positive change in your energy level.

*Nurture your relationships: Even though your time is at a premium, maintaining your connections to supportive friends and family will keep your spirits lifted and help your own emotional well-being.  Add time on your calendar to call or spend some time with your own support team.

*Ask for help and accept it: Friends and family have probably offered help, but you may have been reluctant to take people up on these gestures. Create a list of tasks that another person could do, including running an errand, preparing a meal, or bringing groceries over. When someone asks, you’ll have some activities ready to discuss. Having someone spend time with your loved one to watch a favorite television show, share a cup of coffee, or go for a walk could give you the opportunity to take care of things on your own to-do list.

Searching for senior care solutions for your loved one can be daunting. CarePatrol is here to help. With over 200 senior care advisors nationwide, CarePatrol is leading the way in senior care advisory services with over 20,000 pre-screened communities.  We ask questions to provide you with the right information you need to make confident decisions.