Elderly Parents Caregiver Stress: 10 Steps for Relief

Elderly Parents Caregiver Stress: 10 Steps for Relief

Care giving is an extremely stressful task – mentally, physically and emotionally. Caregivers are generally 'on call' 24/7, with very little help from other family members. Care giving, as many caregivers find out, can be a physically and emotionally demanding, draining and frustrating task that may take its toll on health, spirit and psyche.

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Caregiver Stress

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?

* Do you wonder what the future holds for the both of you?

How are you coping day to day?

Caregiver Stress - Common Health Problems

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

* Depression

* Anxiety

* Physical injury

* Increased risk of drug or alcohol abuse

* Decreased immune system functions and more illnesses

* Higher mortality risk

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.

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Stress Relief for Caregivers of Elderly Parents

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. Taking care of the caregivers should be a major priority of family members and friends of those who take care of seniors.

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.

* Smile – Try to find something to smile or laugh about every day.

* 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.

Nurture the Elderly Parent Caregivers

Taking care of an aging parent may offer a sense of accomplishment and pride, but it also takes its toll in obvious and not-so-obvious ways. If you are a caregiver, find community resources to help. If you are the relative of a caregiver, do what you can to make her life easier. She deserves it. For a great site with more information on helping with stress issues please see Alumbo!

What Stress are You Under as a Caregiver?

What Stresses you out as a Caregiver? How do you Cope? What do you do for Relief?

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