If you are a caregiver to an aging parent or another relative, you have no doubt experienced both the ups and downs to the responsibilities you have assumed. The leaders in
in-home care in Orlando, BrightStar Care, want to make certain that you avoid developing caregiver burnout, and it has nothing to do with the all too common rationale that you need to take care of yourself so that you can be around to help your loved one. As a caregiver, you devote 100% of all of your efforts each and every day to the well-being of the person you care for without regard for your own well-being. You probably feel that no one else can provide the quality of care, love, and support that you do. You don’t ask anyone for help as you will find a way to manage without assistance. In being this self-sufficient, you are unknowingly isolating yourself from the participating in the activities you once enjoyed. This is unhealthy for both you and your charge as your stress level will begin to increase and lead to other changes in your health and perspective on things. Here are some things to keep in mind.
- Being highly stressed all the time can manifest in an increase in blood pressure, frequent headaches, and stomach problems.
- High stress levels can cause dietary changes. You may begin to over-eat or may not want to eat.
- Sleep patterns often vary with increased stress. Depending on the needs of your loved one, you may not be able to get more than a few hours of sleep at a time, or perhaps you are so stressed, you find you can’t fall asleep or stay asleep.
- Your immune system, the body’s ability to fight off infection, does not function at optimal levels when you are stressed. Getting over a simple sore throat or a cold can take longer than before when you are experiencing stress.
- Chronic stress can make you feel depressed. Thoughts of self-harm or causing harm to your loved one are warning signs that you need to ask for help.
Asking for help when caring for an aging person is not a sign of weakness. It is the sign of a person who appreciates that their own identity and their own health and well-being cannot be sacrificed in the process of providing care. Options may include asking other family members to cover for you so that you may enjoy a favorite pastime. Many senior centers have adult daycare services that are reasonably priced. You may also want to consider hiring either a part-time or full-time caregiver.
In home care in Orlando provided by BrightStar Care is a phenomenal resource for assisting caregivers. Our expert staff is available to help you determine your options for avoiding caregiver burnout. Don’t allow yourself to get to the point where you are frustrated and resentful of your loved one. Learn how to establish balance for both of you. Call us at 407-877-0720 for further information.
If you are a caregiver to an aging parent or another relative, you have no doubt experienced both the ups and downs to the responsibilities you have assumed. The leaders in in-home care in Orlando, BrightStar Care, want to make certain that you avoid developing caregiver burnout, and it has nothing to do with the all too common rationale that you need to take care of yourself so that you can be around to help your loved one. As a caregiver, you devote 100% of all of your efforts each and every day to the well-being of the person you care for without regard for your own well-being. You probably feel that no one else can provide the quality of care, love, and support that you do. You don’t ask anyone for help as you will find a way to manage without assistance. In being this self-sufficient, you are unknowingly isolating yourself from the participating in the activities you once enjoyed. This is unhealthy for both you and your charge as your stress level will begin to increase and lead to other changes in your health and perspective on things. Here are some things to keep in mind.