Caring for the Caregiver: Tips on Reducing Stress

Adapted from the Mayo Clinic, Geriatric Publications

Identify the stressors in your caregiving role. What tasks or behaviors are most frustrating or anxiety-producing? Think through and plan your responses to these stressful situations.

Learn and practice stress management techniques. Relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, meditation, and visualization, as well as physical exercise, can be helpful.

Get adequate rest.

Recognize that caregiving is stressful and realize that role changes are difficult to undertake. Do not be hard on yourself when you experience impatience, frustration, sadness, or anger. These are natural emotions when caring for someone who may be unhappy, ungrateful or difficult.

Be willing to walk away from difficult situations to calm down. Return later and try a new approach.

Remember not to personalize the problems you are experiencing. The person is not trying to make life difficult.

Keep incidents in perspective. Try not to overreact to small setbacks or minor crises.

Simplify and structure the environment; establish care routines.

Set realistic goals regarding what and how much you can do for your loved one.

Take one day at a time. Try not to worry about what might happen when you have planned the best you can.

Be good to yourself. Give yourself frequent praise and rewards for your patience and endurance. Say nice things to yourself when the person you are caring for no longer can. Continue to find ways to have fun.

Use your sense of humor - it relieves stress and is a positive emotional release for both of you.

Maintain your own physical, emotional and spiritual health. Find sources for personal satisfaction. Cultivate some emotional detachment.

Write feelings/thoughts in a journal or on the computer. Writing things down will often help put them into better perspective and will be a way of releasing emotions.

Identify and be willing to use your support system. Avoid isolation. Have someone available to vent to. If family or friends offer help, accept it.

Be familiar with your financial, legal and community resources.

Related Article:  Top Ten Tips for Caregivers 

For more information or an appointment to discuss your caregiving situation, please contact Brenda Wilson, LCSW, CEAP and Geriatric Care Manager at (434) 924-5483 for free and confidential services.