Try a more effective response to caregiver criticism Getting criticized is unpleasant – especially from family or friends who don’t lift a finger to help care for your older adult. Yelling or getting upset might feel justified in the moment, but it won’t reduce your stress or cut down on future comments. You might even feel worse later because you didn’t get…
Anxiety increases stress and decreases well-being There’s a lot to worry about when you’re caring for an older adult. That anxiety can pump up your stress and harm your health. To cope with caregiver anxiety and protect your health, it’s helpful to have a variety of go-to anxiety relief techniques. Depending on the situation, you might find that some methods work better…
Adult day programs improve quality of life for seniors and caregivers When your older adult can’t safely be alone all day on their own or if they feel lonely or isolated, consider enrolling them in an adult day program. Adult day programs can help an older adult remain at home longer – delaying the need to move to assisted living. They also…
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…
Compassion fatigue can hurt caregivers Caregiving is an all-consuming responsibility, whether you’re doing hands-on personal care or managing care from a distance. That can put you at risk for compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue can be a side effect of caring for someone in need. It causes physical and emotional exhaustion and reduces the ability to empathize. It’s common in doctors, nurses, and…
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,…
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