Stressed? Who isn’t, really. But it you’re a working caregiver, then you really know what we’re talking about. With caring for an elderly family member, maintaining a household of your own, and also balancing a career, it can feel like you’re barely holding it all together. Put yourself back on the radar with these caregiver survival tools to reduce the stress you feel:

1. Take care of yourself with diet and exercise – eat well throughout the day, and no matter how busy you are, don’t skip meals, otherwise your energy levels will drop. Exercise at least 3 times a week for 20 minutes, and pick something that you enjoy doing (walking, biking, aerobics class)

2. Walk away – you won’t walk away permanently from your care responsibilities, but you can take a step back when you need to. Take a break, even if just for a few minutes, or have someone else step in to provide respite care

3. Seek help – 72% of caregivers refuse to receive outside help with their responsibilities; don’t be one of them. Ask a family member to step in and help, or hire a professional home caregiver to give you a break. Also, don’t be afraid to lean on others when you’re stressed, even if it means joining a support group

4. Spoil yourself – reward yourself for all of your hard work, once a week or once a month, go get a massage, have a manicure, go to a movie, or take a hot bath with a glass of wine. Do something that helps you rejuvenate!

5. Don’t neglect your health – remember to get yourself to the doctor regularly, especially if you’re feeling ill. You’ll be better help to a senior when you’re in one piece!

Via: Caregiver Stress

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Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder home care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.

Caregiver Stress in Phoenix - Signs that you are stressed out about senior care.

Debbie Seplow, invites you to learn how Home Instead Senior Care Greater Phoenix helps family caregivers cope with elder care stress.

Many people who care for their loved ones adapt to naturally giving a huge amount of time and energy for the sake of the one you love. If you are one of these people, do you ever stop to wonder if you are giving too much? How would you know if you are finally reaching the point of not caring about YOU anymore?
Some signs of stress are:

• Withdrawal - You may find yourself withdrawing from family and/or friends. Also, not participating in the hobbies you once enjoyed is a sign.
• Difficulty sleeping - If you are having a hard time falling asleep and/or staying asleep.
• Exhaustion - Feeling tired from everyday tasks and the feeling that there is not enough time to get things done.
• Lack of Concentration - Feeling overwhelmed by the tasks at hand and what needs to be done.
• Weight Loss/Gain - Loss of appetite, or eating to comfort yourself is indicators that you are under stress.
• Drinking or Smoking - If you find yourself turning to this as an outlet, realize it isn’t a healthy way to deal with your feelings.
• Head Aches and Stomach Problems - You can start to feel physically ill if you are stressed out.

Sick More Often - If you are stressed out, your body can’t fight off illnesses and viruses as well.

When you start to identify with these signs, you know it is time to sit back for a minute and evaluate your situation. In this series, we will go over a number of techniques to help you cope and conquer senior home care stress.