Each year, millions of informal caregivers serve a vital role behind the scenes by nurturing aging-in-place loved ones. And although serving as an unpaid caregiver is highly rewarding, adding caregiving duties to an already full plate can be a recipe for disaster. While volunteering your time and talents achieving a healthy life balance requires the ability to recognize and avoid caregiver stress. As an informal caregiver here’s how to know when’s time to “call in the calvary” so you can stay recharged and refreshed.
Informal Caregiver Stress Warning Signs
Regardless of their background and training most unpaid caregivers eventually reach a point when they feel “burned out.” For many, exhaustion, worry, inadequate resources, and strained relationships are constant companions.
The average caregiver is more likely to develop a chronic health problem, like elevated blood pressure or diabetes, than is a non-caregiver. Caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s can be challenging for even the most seasoned professionals.
The warning signs of caregiver stress include:
- Sleep deprivation
- Anxiety and depression
- Difficulty performing simple tasks
- Weight gain
- Postponing or completely ignoring medical appointments
- Substance abuse
- Not exercising
- Poor eating habits
- Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Social isolation
Once these symptoms present, it doesn’t take long for the health and wellbeing of both the caregiver and care recipient to suffer.
Achieving a Healthy Life Balance as an Informal Caregiver
As an informal caregiver, here’s how to enjoy a healthier life balance:
Know your limitations
Although it’s a bitter pill to swallow, no matter how hard you try your loved one’s condition is eventually going to get worse. Rather than allowing yourself to get overwhelmed, prioritize your daily tasks and focus on the most important ones- like getting dad out of the house for some exercise. You’re only human after all, so learn to accept your limitations.
Make healthier lifestyle choices
If you’re sick in bed (again) because you’re not taking care of yourself, start making some positive lifestyle changes. Eat a healthy, nutrient-rich diet, exercise regularly, and avoid bad habits like smoking cigarettes or abusing alcohol. Get a complete physical every year and don’t neglect your other medical appointments.
Reward yourself
Not everyone has what it takes to be a successful caregiver. Reward yourself for a job well done by doing something you enjoy every week. Use your newfound downtime to learn a new hobby, go shopping, or just spend a few hours curled up on the couch binge-watching your favorite TV shows. Whatever you do, don’t feel guilty for taking a break from your caregiving duties.
Start a caregiving journal
Another way to emotionally decompress is by keeping a daily caregiving journal. Use it to record both positive and negative experiences that you are going through- like the fact you were able to get mon to eat everything on her plate today. When you’re having a bad day go back and revisit the good moments while focusing on how your efforts are making a difference.
Schedule some “me” time
Find time to participate in healthy stress-relieving activities like walking, swimming, Pilates, or yoga three to five times per week. Pamper yourself at least once a month with a spa day or date night with your significant other. Seek professional counseling if negative feelings- like anxiety and depression- persist.
Seek outside assistance
Asking for help doesn’t make you a failure. To prevent burnout, seek relief through sources like community volunteers, family members, and friends, or a meal delivery or senior transportation service. Another option you have is hiring a professional respite caregiver from a home care agency.
Reliable In-Home Respite Care for Seniors in Boston
Although caring for an aging loved one is rewarding, it can also be stressful and exhausting. When you need to take a well-deserved break, contact Assisting Hands Home Care of Boston Northwest. As a locally owned and operated home healthcare provider, we specialize in quality care solutions that help keep seniors safe and comfortable right where they want to be. Our highly trained professionals stand ready to deliver in-home personal care and support including respite care, companionship care, dementia care, and even 24-hour and live-in care.
While proudly serving families in Bedford, Winchester, Concord, and Northwest Boston, Assisting Hands is committed to providing the highest quality of care possible while empowering the clients we serve with dignity and respect. To learn more now or to schedule an assessment please visit us today at Assisting Hands Home Care of Boston Northwest!
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