Caregiver Stress Part 2

Some suggestions to help deal with caregiver stress include, utilizing in home care or respite services, asking for and accepting help, setting reasonable expectations for yourself and others, and talking to your physician.  Your physician needs to know that you are caregiver.  He or she may have extra steps for you to protect your own health, such as monitoring your blood pressure, changes in diet, medications, supplements or antidepressants.

Keeping a journal can help with appointment reminders, as well as what the physician says, test results, etc.  Journaling can allow a caregiver to put down their feelings, giving insight to how to manage similar circumstances in the future. 

Yoga or Tai Chi are low impact exercises that also benefit the mental and spiritual well being. There are multiple free videos online.  A yoga that is good for beginners and has modifications is DDP Yoga Beginner Workout Preview on YouTube.  It is a short 15 minute workout that can be done in any there is access to the internet, and requires no special equipment.  (We have no affliation with DDP Yoga). 

Finally, the most important suggestion and the most difficult is to take care of yourself.  Make time to take a short walk outside or get together with an understanding friend or loved one.

Visiting Angels can help caregivers dealing with Caregiver stress.  We offer respite services in addition to daily services, overnight care, homemaker services, errands, and companionship.

Rosalyn Carter, Former First Lady said, “There are only four kinds of people in the world:  those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.  Care-giving is universal.”