STRESS of Caregiving for Older Relatives with Disabilities
Whether you are providing round-the-clock direct care or coordinating others who provide direct care, you are still the caregiver. You are responsible to some degree for another person’s well-being. No matter how loving the relationship, caregiving almost always involves some personal sacrifice and stress which can be seen in the following symptoms:- Emotional or physical exhaustion
- Depression
- Marital problems
- Family problems
- Alcohol or drug misuse
- Conflict among life roles – spouse, employee, parent, and caregiver
- Neglect or abuse of the older person
Caregiver Stress – The Warning Signs of Stress:
When you experience an unusual level of stress, certain warning signals occur. Answering the following questions will increase your awareness of these signs:
- Do you feel a loss of energy or zest for life?
- Do you feel out of control, exhibiting uncharacteristic emotions or actions?
- Do you lack interest in people or things that were formerly pleasurable?
- Are you becoming increasingly isolated?
- Are you consuming an increased amount of sleeping pills, medications, alcohol, drugs, caffeine, or cigarettes?
- Are you having increased health problems; for example, high blood pressure, ulcers, or difficulties with digestion?
- Do you have difficulty falling asleep at night, awakening early, or sleeping excessively?
- Are you experiencing appetite changes?
- Do you have problems with concentration or memory?
- Are you increasingly irritable or impatient with others?
- Do you have thoughts of suicide?
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