VISITING ANGELS CONWAY, AR 501-329-2100
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How Families in Conway, AR, and Surrounding Areas Can Recognize the Signs of Caregiver Stress

Caring for an elderly family member is a big responsibility that can be hard for family members to handle. Family caregivers may experience stress and tiredness if they must place the care recipient's needs over their own, their family's, and their job duties.

The mental and physical costs of caregiving aren't always easy to see. Usually, the people who know you best, such family and friends, will notice a shift in your behavior before anybody else.

To stop caregiver burnout, it's important to know the signs of stress and emotional strain. Here are some ways to keep family caregivers in Conway, Cabot, Greenbrier, Vilonia, and the rest of central Arkansas from burning out.

What Are Common Signs of Caregiver Burnout?

If you are the primary caregiver for an aging friend or family member, it is crucial that you learn to detect the warning symptoms of caregiver burnout. You can't provide adequate care for a loved one if you're exhausted all the time.

Common signs of caregiver burnout include:

  • Feelings of resentment or guilt
  • Exhaustion, low energy and fatigue
  • Anxiety or worry
  • Irritability or anger
  • No longer finding joy in caregiving or other activities
  • Hyperfocusing on caregiving responsibilities
  • Blaming your loved one or yourself for their situation
  • Lack of sleep or irregular sleeping patterns
  • Lack of interest or ability in eating well, exercising or attending social events
  • Excessive smoking, drinking or eating
  • Sudden weight gain or loss
  • Physical pain, such as headaches and backaches

 

How to Reduce Caregiver Stress

If you refuse to take a break from your caregiving duties, you may negatively impact your mental health, relationships, and ability to care for your senior loved one. Surprisingly, taking time off for yourself is the best way to avoid burnout.

Here are some ways family caregivers in Conway can manage burnout:

Relaxation and self-care

Relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing, prayer, and practicing mindfulness may be seamlessly integrated into regular routines. Even if you can only spare five minutes a day, you should try to meditate or pray every day.

Proper nutrition and exercise

Your body may benefit tremendously from a nutritious diet, which can also provide you with the energy you need to go through the day. Lighter kinds of exercise, such as brisk walking or utilizing the stairs, may promote the production of endorphins, the body's natural "feel good" chemicals, and improve stamina, weight loss, and mood. When you're less worn out and stressed, you're better able to take care of your loved one.

Talk to your doctor

If self-care measures for managing your stress haven't been effective, it may be time to see a medical professional. The doctor can give you advice on how to better take care of yourself physically and mentally.

Join a support group

Joining a local caregiver support group is a great idea if you are regularly caring for a loved one and would want to meet other individuals in a similar position as well as obtain tips on how to better manage your caregiving obligations. Talking to someone who has gone through a similar experience may be comforting, but sharing your own experience can be much more relieving.

Consider respite care from Visiting Angels of Conway

When caring for an elderly relative, it's common to need help from other people. If you need a break from caring for a loved one, Visiting Angels of Conway offers respite care. Our caregivers can help out around the home, respond to your loved one's emotional and physical needs, and more to make sure they're safe and comfortable. So, you can be sure that your older family member is getting the specialized care they need from a kind and skilled professional caregiver so that you can focus on your own needs.

Call our Conway, AR, office at 501-381-1630 to schedule a free in-home consultation today!

Serving Conway, Cabot, Greenbrier, Vilonia, and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels CONWAY, AR
240 Skyline Dr #301
Conway, AR 72032
Phone: 501-329-2100

Serving Conway, Cabot, Greenbrier, Vilonia, and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels CONWAY, AR
240 Skyline Dr #301
Conway, AR 72032
Phone: 501-329-2100