Reducing Caregiving Stress (1508)

Caregiver stress can be experienced by those of us who provide care for an older adult. Caregiving can be a very rewarding task, but it can also take a great physical and emotional toll on the caregiver. To avoid this condition, it’s important that caregivers do not become over-exhausted. This is easier to say than do. However, a critical part of beating this stressful condition is to take care of yourself. Here are some tips to help you provide for your own self-care. Remember, if you are exhausted, you cannot offer effective care for the older adult.

Tip number 1 is: Talk it over-express your thoughts and feelings about your caregiver role with others. It’s critical that you ask for help from family and friends. Accept help when it is offered. Caregiving is a big responsibility and takes more than one person. So seek and accept help and keep talking about your feelings and needs.

Another tip is: Make time for your interests-you will be a better companion if you participate in things that interest you.

Here’s a final tip: Be sure to make use of supportive resources-find out what is available in your community. Start with your local Office of Aging and Adult Services. They offer a variety of programs and can help you locate others.

The biggest challenge for many caregivers is balancing the needs of the older adult with their own priorities. A simple question you can ask is, "At this moment, whose needs are greater?" This works well for short-term decisions; long-term decisions will take a lot more planning and analysis.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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