[Resource] Stop Telling Caregivers to Take Care of Themselves First!
April 12, 2019
Advice for caregivers almost always includes a list of signs of caregiver stress and tips on how to address them. The unfortunate result is an actual increase in caregiver stress.
Why? Because it puts the burden of fixing the problem on someone who is already overwhelmed. Caregiving is a 24-hour a day, seven days a week job, frequently lasting for several years, that becomes more demanding as time goes on. Of course caregivers are stressed. Giving them a list of things they know they should do but can’t isn’t helpful. In fact, it confirms their sense of isolation and adds to their feeling that no one understands what it’s like to do be a caregiver.
A typical list of signs of caregiver stress include the following:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Loss of Concentration
- Exhaustion
- Isolation
No one would willingly ignore these intense feelings. Caregivers are often dangerously overburdened and desperate for relief. They cannot overcome these issues alone. They need your help
They cannot, as advised in the usual list of advice that follows the one above, put themselves first, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy diet, meditate, go on vacation, get enough rest, and go to a caregiver support group, if they are doing it alone.
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By
Caregiving.com
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Published
Jan 23, 2024
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Subject Area
- Caregiving & Caregiver Support
- Age-friendly Communities
- Mental Health and Wellness
- General Health and Wellness
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Audience
- Service Providers (Non-profits, Community Organizations, Local government)
- Caregivers, Seniors & Volunteers
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Category
- Best Practices
- Advocacy
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