The Importance of Caregiver Wellbeing

If you have recently joined the ranks of those who act as a primary caregiver for a loved one, such as a senior parent with Alzheimer’s or some other condition requiring care, you are not alone. Due to astronomical senior housing costs and increased longevity, families are increasingly taking on the caregiving role. And this trend is only poised to continue with senior populations expected to increase to 71 million by 2030.

 Although there are many family caregivers, the work can be isolating and exhausting. You may be ready to roll up your sleeves and do your best to care for your loved one, but you should also be aware of the risks that come with acts of compassion, such as caregiver fatigue, stress, and burnout. It helps to start with the guidance offered by The All-Weather Friend and other like resources.

 Understanding caregiver stress

 Caregiver stress disorder is the general term for a variety of mental and emotional effects that result from being overburdened when providing medical and support services to another. It occurs with medical professionals and novices alike. But unlike doctors and nurses, who have other professionals and structure as support, family caregivers are often lost at sea. An isolated attempt to navigate the difficulties of providing care often backfires in a reduction of the quality of care and ultimately can cause physical and emotional damage to the caregiver. When a caregiver neglects their health in service of another, a “long shadow” of caregiving follows.

 Stress reduction begins before you start caregiving

 Many family caregivers are selfless and dedicated. They accept the responsibility to provide for their family members with positivity and see it as an honor. The same characteristics that make a caregiver so selfless also create the risk of self-neglect. 

 One way to temper this tendency to get carried away with a self-defeating savior syndrome is to properly initiate the caregiver relationship. Children caregivers of a senior parent, for example, often reverse the parent-child dynamic. Some seniors afflicted with dementia cannot make decisions; therefore, it is appropriate for children to take on all decision-making. In many cases, however, this tactic is counterproductive and overly burdensome. 

 Accordingly, it may be a relief to couch caregiving decisions in cooperative terms. Instead of acting like a parent to your parent, ask, “What do you think we should do?” When you resist reversing roles, you may limit struggles with your parent, while also reminding yourself that you don’t have to be in charge in order to provide care.

 Reducing stress while caregiving

 Other than getting started on the right foot, there are other ways to avoid the stress of caregiving. Most of them involve being mindful of your needs simultaneously with the needs of your parent. These include:

-      Scheduling time for yourself. Make sure you dedicate some time each week to do something that you like.

-       Stay fit. Exercise and eat healthy food. Caregivers often neglect their physical health, which just spirals downward. 

-       Use tech to maintain healthy habits. For instance, fitness and meditation apps can help you start and sustain a wellness practice, while a smartwatch with a fun strap can keep you motivated and positive.

-       Get help. Although your desire to care is laudable, it may be in your parent’s best interest for a professional care team to be involved — at least, on a part-time basis. Reach out to resources and make it possible for you to take a break.

-       Avoid the temptation to self-medicate. The physical and emotional stress of caregiving can lead someone to drink excessively or take drugs as a release, which just multiplies the stress and troubles.

 Stress that can follow care

 It’s crucial to have a healthy balance in your life as a caregiver because ultimately, the need for you to provide care will cease. Many caregivers can be devastated with numbness, guilt, dread, depression, and anxiety that combine in a type of post-traumatic stress disorder. Self-care during the caregiver role allows you to transition into post-care with clarity and acceptance of your parent’s life and your positive role at the end.

 Caregiving is an important role for family members to provide. It saves money and can provide dignity for the senior. In order to be successful, the caregiver should be mindful of their needs. The All-Weather Friend has resources and inspiration for family caregivers. Visit the blog and website for the support you need.