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Caregiver stress assessment

By Lila Havens, Staff Writer, myOptumHealth

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Caregiving is a tough job. You do it because your loved one needs you. But what about your needs? Who takes care of those?

Being a caregiver is demanding, both physically and emotionally. Too often, caregivers give so much that they shortchange themselves. They become overwhelmed and isolated, and their health suffers, as does their ability to give care. You need and deserve support so you can safeguard your own health while providing the care your loved one requires.  

Are you under stress?

Take this simple assessment to find out.

If you answered "true" to even one of these statements, you may be under stress from caregiving. Try the following tips to get your stress under control.

6 tips to reduce caregiver stress

1. Ask for help. Caregivers sometimes fall into the trap of thinking they are the only one who can care for their loved one. This isn't so. Hold a family meeting and ask other family members to commit to helping out. Neighbors and friends may also be a source of support.

When asking for help, be specific. For example, an adult could provide care for an hour or two one day each week so you can do errands. You could ask someone to help with housework, lawn care or paying bills.

2. Make use of community resources. Many communities have services to support caregivers and their loved ones, such as adult daycare, respite care, home health aides or Meals on Wheels. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging, Department of Social Services or hospitals for information. To find your Area Agency on Aging, call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116.

3. Find a support group. Most caregivers report that isolation is their biggest source of stress. Being able to talk to others who share your experiences can be very helpful. Organizations like the Alzheimer's Association may host local support groups, or check with local hospitals or senior centers.

4. Schedule time for yourself. This is not selfish. Taking some "me time" is necessary for your mental health and can help you be a better caregiver. Have someone cover for you so you can pursue your hobbies, go to church, spend time with friends or do other activities you enjoy. Even finding half an hour to soak in the bathtub or go for a walk can help recharge your batteries.

5. Take care of yourself. Your health and well-being is important.You won't be able to help your loved one or yourself if you become ill.

Be sure to eat a healthy diet, get some exercise and get regular checkups. Consider learning some ways to reduce stress, such as yoga, deep breathing or meditation. Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of depression, such as feeling sad or hopeless, sleeping too little or too much, gaining or losing weight or not enjoying things you used to enjoy. Depression is a serious health problem, and it can be treated.

6. Give yourself credit. You are doing an important job. No one is perfect, but you should feel good about what you do.

View the original Caregiver stress assessment article on myOptumHealth.com 

SOURCES:

• Alzheimer's Association. Caregiver stress check. Accessed: 10/22/2009

• National Alliance for Caregiving. Care for the family caregiver: a place to start. Accessed: 10/22/2009

• Borreani C, Tamburini M. Caregiver burden. In: Walsh D, Caraceni AT, Fainsinger R, Foley K, et al., eds. Palliative Medicine. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. Accessed: 10/22/2009

• New York State Association of Area Agencies on Aging. Caregiver burden assessment. Accessed: 10/22/2009

• McCullagh E, Brigstocke G, Donaldson N, Kalra L. Determinants of caregiving burden and quality of life in caregivers of stroke patients. Stroke. 2005;36;2181-2186. Accessed Accessed: 10/22/2009