The Stress of Providing Long-term Care to an Older Adult
The stress and burnout that accompanies long-term caregiving with older adults often goes unnoticed until the caregiver develops significant physical 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 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 Alzheimer’s, stroke or other cognitive impairments.
The problems awaiting the caregiver in those situations are often exemplified by hostile and violent behavior, unpredictable mood swings and repetitious requests that seem to lack meaning.
Some of the following suggestions may help you cope with caregiving:
* Learn as much as you can about your loved one’s condition from their health care professional, books, the Internet and agencies such as the Area Agency on Aging or Alzheimer’s Association.
* When caregivers become too immersed in caregiving, they can lose objectivity and perspective about what they need to accomplish. They then feel overwhelmed. Professionals trained in caregiving can provide guidance.
* Caregivers need to plan periods of rest and recreation for themselves. To avoid feeling guilty, they must recognize that without adequate self-care, all efforts may eventually fail and they, too, will be in need of help.
* 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 groups.
The groups provide information and education on effective and less stressful methods of caregiving. Also, empathy and validation from other group members can be extremely important in dealing with the emotions experienced by the caregiver.
* Use stress management strategies, including relaxation techniques, regular exercise and proper nutrition. If necessary, seek professional assistance to cope with often difficult issues.
A helpful website for caregivers is www.agis.com.
As the number of older people in the population increases, caring for the caregiver will be an issue of increasing importance.
