Support reduces stress to sustain caregiving over the long term Stress goes hand in hand with caregiving and wears down your health and well-being. It can be caused by a wide range of things: the enormous responsibility, endless tasks, feeling overwhelmed, managing mixed feelings, feeling guilty, and feeling alone. To sustain caregiving over the long term, learn tried-and-true caregiving tips from those…
Don’t suffer because of common caregiving misconceptions When talking with families who are caring for older adults, we hear a lot about caregiver guilt, stress, and angst. Many of these negative feelings are caused by misguided but common beliefs we impose upon ourselves. We explain how three common myths influence our thinking and add to our stress and why they’re simply not…
Funny moments can happen during caregiving Chronic illnesses and serious diseases like Alzheimer’s disease are certainly no laughing matter. But even in the middle of the worst day, there’s still room for laughter. And funny moments can naturally come up while you’re caring for an older adult. Giving yourself permission to notice when funny things happen and encouraging your older adult to…
Counseling or therapy helps you manage caregiving stress Talking with a counselor or therapist is a shortcut to figuring out how to deal with the stress and emotional conflict that come with being a caregiver. Instead of struggling on your own, why not talk with an expert who can give you advice and tools to cope with the emotional and physical challenges?…
Caregiver loneliness makes dementia care more challenging When you’re caring for an older adult with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, loneliness is a common feeling. It might feel like nobody else understands what you’re going through, even if you have a good support system. You also might avoid sharing the full details of the situation with family or friends because you want to…
Managing stress for caregivers prevents burnout Stress comes with the territory when you’re a caregiver. It’s not possible to completely eliminate caregiver stress, but there are many ways to give yourself a break and reduce the negative effects on your body and mind. Of course, we’re all trying to reduce stress, but sometimes, we could be multiplying its effects without even realizing…
Reduce caregiver stress with journaling For many caregivers, stress is a constant companion. One effective way to reduce caregiver stress and keep burnout at bay is to write in a journal. Getting your thoughts and feelings down on paper and out of your head is surprisingly therapeutic. Studies have even found that journaling improves health and well-being. Chronic severe stress can have…
Caregiver Guilt is Common and Stressful Caregivers often have very high (and frequently unfair) expectations for themselves. That can add significant stress and guilt to an already demanding job, reduce your quality of life, and make it harder to care for your loved one. Dr. Barry J. Jacobs, an AARP caregiving expert, has years of personal experience caring for his mother. In…
Journaling is an effective way to reduce caregiver stress Caregiver stress is no joke. Not only can it make you resentful or depressed, it can also cause serious health conditions. That’s why adding stress reduction and coping tips to your daily routine is so important. One effective stress reduction technique that’s perfect for caregivers is journaling. Writing in a journal is free,…
Don’t avoid getting help with caregiving “I can manage fine without a break.” “I can’t find affordable help.” “Nobody looks after her as well as I can.” Have you ever said these things to yourself? Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is a tough job that comes with a great deal of stress. So what’s the best way to lower…
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