Elderly Parents Caregiver Stress: 10 Steps for Relief

Care giving is an extremely stressful task – mentally, physically and emotionally.

Most caregivers, regardless of age or the needs of an elderly parent, go through periods of stress and anxiety. Caregivers must also take care of family responsibilities as well as the needs of the aging parent, communicating with doctors, dealing with appointments and emotional issues caused by dementia or Alzheimer's.

Today, nearly 80% of individuals diagnosed with dementia or various stages of Alzheimer's are taken care of at home by adult children or other close family members. In such situations, the caregiver is at an increased risk of stress.

If you are a caregiver, answer the following questions to determine if you might be under some level of stress.

* Do you feel that you spend so much time caring for your elderly parent that you don't have any time left over for yourself?

* Do you feel your health has been compromised because of the physical, emotional or mental demands of care giving?

* Do you sometimes wish you could leave the care of your elderly parents to someone else?

Many caregivers suffer from health problems related to stress, including but not limited to:

Take into consideration the fact that a caregiver may be required to spend an average of 70 hours of care every week for an elderly parent who has been diagnosed with moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer's. For such reasons, it is vital that caregivers not to neglect their own physical, mental or emotional health.

Caregivers who practice stress relief measures and try to stay as active as possible feel better about their situation, and themselves, than those who don't.

Caregivers themselves can take charge of their health by following a few guidelines for relief every day. Here are 10 ways to nurture your own body, spirit and soul, even if you are taking care of a senior 24 hours a day.

* Take time for yourself – Even if it's 5 minutes at a time, try to find a few minutes for yourself every day. Go outside. Sit down and meditate. Watch T.V. Read a magazine. Just take 5-minute increments for yourself as often as possible throughout the day.

* Exercise – 15 minutes of stretching, yoga, dancing… anything to help your body and spirit de-stress.

* Get Outside! – Every day, try to go outside, even if it's for a few minutes – open the windows – a breath of fresh air can be invigorating!

* Eat well – Eat well-balanced and nutritious meals, remember your vitamins and drink at least 68 ounces of water every day.

* Sleep – This is a tough one, but do try to get at least 6-8 hours of sleep every night. If you have to, schedule naps when your elderly parent naps to make up for lost hours.

* Listen to your body – Don't ignore your aching back or your growing depression. Listen to your body and take care of it.

* Ask for help – Don't be afraid to ask for help. Many people are more than willing to help, but are afraid to butt in or imply that you can't do it yourself.

* Zone out – Read, meditate, pray – do something that brings you comfort and relief – do it every day without fail.

* Set limitations – Don't push your body to the limit. If something's wrong, get it taken care of before it becomes something much worse.

What Stress are You Feeling as a Caregiver?

How do you Cope? Is it your siblings or your parents...your spouse? What do You do for Relief?

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