Caregivers can lose their objectivity
Last week we began our journey into the often neglected and overlooked topic of caring for the caregiver. The stress and burnout that accompanies long-term caregiving often goes unnoticed until the caregiver develops significant physical and/or psychological problems. These may include such symptoms as chronic exhaustion, irritability, diminished ability to handle minor upsets, sleep problems, a compromised immune system, a pessimistic, cynical, and sarcastic outlook and the reliance on unhealthy escape mechanisms such as alcohol or other drugs.
Caregiving can be especially difficult when the impaired recipient is suffering from such diseases as dementia, Alzheimer’s or other cognitive impairments. Unlike the physical care of dressing, feeding, or bathing disabled individuals, the problems awaiting the caregiver of the cognitively impaired are exemplified by hostile and violent behavior, unpredictable mood swings and repetitious requests that seem to lack meaning.
Those that suffer from caregiver stress may want to consider some of the following suggestions:
• Ask for objective opinions from friends, family, minister or family physician as to whether caregiving efforts are realistic and reasonable or instead unnecessary, unproductive or even harmful. Often, becoming so immersed in the act of caregiving, caregivers tend to lose their sense of objectivity and perspective about the necessities of caregiving becoming the proverbial lost wanderer who can’t see the forest for the trees. The resulting sense of being overwhelmed comes in part from a mission without objectives, boundaries, or limits.
• Caregivers need to structure their caregiving activities so that definite periods of rest, recreation and pursuit of other activities exist away from caregiving efforts. In order to avoid feeling guilty, the caregiver must recognize that without adequate self-care, all caregiving efforts may eventually fail and the caregiver too, will be in need of care.
• Seek both informal and formal support services. Informal services include other family members and friends. Whenever possible, are all family members participating and providing assistance or, is the effort left to a few? Formal support services include groups sponsored by health care organizations, community, and church related groups. Information and education on effective and less stressful methods of caregiving for the disabled person can be provided to the caregiver. Also, receiving empathy and validation from other group members can be extremely important in dealing with the emotions experienced by the caregiver.
• Last, but not least, begin using stress management strategies including relaxation techniques, regular exercise, proper nutrition and if necessary, seek professional assistance.
As the number of aging individuals in the population increases, caring for the caregiver will be a topic of increasing importance.
