The Dangers of Caregiving
Just like a long-distance race, the caregiving journey has its share of dangers to be on the lookout for. The most common dangers of caregiving are stress and depression. These are the kind of dangers that can sneak up on you, just like heat exhaustion or muscle strain. Not only does this put the caregiver at risk, but the one being cared for could eventually become the victim of abuse or neglect.
Caregiving is not easy. The daily task of caregiving can drain a person physically, mentally, and emotionally over time. This can result in an attitude change known as “Caregiver Burnout” that causes the caregiver to become apathetic or negative toward the person for whom they are providing care. An article on Web MD lists the following symptoms of caregiver burnout:
- Withdrawal from friends, family and other loved ones.
- Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed.
- Feeling blue, irritable, hopeless, and helpless.
- Changes in appetite, weight, or both.
- Changes in sleep patterns.
- Getting sick more often.
- Feelings of wanting to hurt yourself or the person for whom you are caring.
- Emotional and physical exhaustion.
- Irritability.
So, what do you do if you recognize some of these danger signs associated with caregiving? There is a helpful tool from the Alzheimer’s Association designed to help reduce stress associated with caregiving. It’s an online caregiver stress check designed for caregivers of those with a debillitating illness like Alzheimer’s. The stress check asks simple questions with yes or no answers. After answering the questions, helpful resources and information are provided to help reduce stress.
Some other ways to reduce caregiver burnout include:
- Reach out to others – Find others that you can trust and who understand your situation, such as a members of a support group, a cleryman or counselor, or close friends.
- Be honest with yourself and the situation – Make sure your expectations for yourself and the person you are caring for are realistic. Learn as much as possible about the disease or condition you are dealing with.
- Find caregiving assistance – Take advantage of respite care and help offered from others.
- Take care of yourself - You will do a much better job of taking care of someone else if you take good care of yourself! Find time to partake in activities that renew your spirit and strength.
Just like the runner, if you are alert and aware of your surroundings, you can ward off the dangers of caregiving.
