4 Ways to Deal With Caregiver Stress

Caregiver in Salisbury NC

Caring for a senior loved one can cause a significant amount of stress. Caregivers can become overwhelmed and burned out by all of the duties they have to perform in order to provide seniors with quality care. Being under so much pressure on a daily basis can have a negative impact on the health and well-being of caregivers unless they take steps to relieve stress. The following tips can help those who are struggling to care for a senior family member.

Get Help

Family caregivers don’t have to do everything on their own. Instead, they should seek help when they’re feeling overwhelmed by their caregiving duties. This help can come in the form of other family members, neighbors or friends who can help out with running errands or doing household chores. They can also help by spending time with seniors, so family caregivers have time to rest. Professional caregivers who provide elder care services can also be a source of help and support to family members who could use some assistance. These home care professionals can help out with cooking, cleaning, grooming and keeping elder family members occupied.

Take Time to Unwind

Family caregivers who are feeling stressed should take time to relax on a regular basis. Even taking just 30 minutes a day to read, meditate, write in a journal or do some other relaxing activity can stop stress from building up over time. Those who have trouble setting aside time to unwind should ask others to help out, so they can fit relaxation time into their caregiving schedule.

Stay Social

Caring for an elderly family member can become an isolating experience. Family caregivers might only leave the house to run to the store or take their loved one to doctor appointments. They might not feel comfortable inviting friends over, since they have to take care of their loved one at the same time. This can lead to feelings of depression, especially if caring for their loved one is more challenging than usual. Family caregivers should make plans to go out with friends or get together with other relatives outside the house at least once a week to stay social. In order to do this, they’ll need to make arrangements with other family members to care for their senior loved one or consider hiring an in-home care professional to free up some time for them.

Maintain Good Health

Taking care of a senior day after day can take a toll on a family caregiver’s health, which means they’ll have a harder time looking after their loved one. In order to avoid this, family caregivers should make sure they eat healthy meals, get quality sleep for seven or eight hours a night and exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Caring for their own needs makes it easier for family caregivers to provide their senior loved one with the care they need.

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiver services in Salisbury NC, contact the caring professionals at TenderHearted Home Care today. Call us at (704) 207-0265.