You may have heard many persons saying that it is an honour and blessing to care for a parent or someone else. Although it is a rewarding experience to be a caregiver, there are also many challenges that come with it; some that may lead to extreme health conditions, not for the Caree in this case, but for the Caregiver.
Some people might ask: “What could be so stressful about caring for a senior?” LAUGH OUT LOUD. If they only knew! I would like to ask each of you to share with others some of the challenges faced and how it can affect the caregiver.
You see, a really dedicated caregiver will always put the needs of the Caree first and always above his or her (own) needs. This is where the stress levels start to escalate and can lead to severe health issues.
As caregivers, it is often hard to determine or admit that we are stressed. We find ourselves in a routine to just get things done no matter what. We just do not stop to understand what is happening to SELF. You know the saying “A shoemaker doesn’t have a good pair of shoes”? Well, the same goes for me. Even with all the advice I give, I often find myself in predicaments and I have to constantly pull myself up.
What are the Signs of Caregiver Stress?
In this article, I will not just list the types of caregiver stress but I am going to give scenarios to situations. You can determine if you are stressed, not stress at all, or if stress is coming on.
Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried?
Are you feeling like you just prepared a meal and now you have to do it all over again.
You have to pick up the children from school, but mom’s doctor’s appointment is running late.
What if this medication doesn’t do what it says?
If I take any more time off from work my boss is surely going to fire me.
I just changed mom’s pull-up, why didn’t she say she wanted to go again?
There is a new expense every day—I can’t keep going on like this.
I don’t understand why people keep asking me if I need help.
How hard is it to remember to take out the garbage?
I can’t afford to pay these bills anymore.
If dad has another fall, I may have to put him in a home for seniors.
I left your lunch in the microwave, just press START.
Okay dad I’m coming. Gosh, the toilet is right there why does he need to call me for everything?
I have to get my subscription, but I don’t have the funds for my meds and dad’s.
Feeling tired often
It’s only 8 am and I feel like I have been up for hours.
I just can’t seem to function today.
My thoughts are all over the place.
I have questions for the doctor, but my mind is blank.
I don’t have the energy to do the laundry.
I can’t even make it to the shower.
If I have to lift mom one more time, I am going to pass out on the floor.
My children want to go to the movie, but I just don’t have the energy to drive them there.
Getting too much sleep or not enough sleep
Oh no, I didn’t hear the alarm clock!
I just went to bed...it’s morning already?
I’m late for work again.
“Ma’am excuse me the doctor will see you both now.” I must have dozed off.
These sleeping pills are not working anymore.
I think the mattress may need to change, I can’t seem to fall asleep like I used to.
Everywhere I go I fall asleep.
I keep taking the children to school late.
Gosh, I’m so embarrassed—I fell asleep in church.
We didn’t just wake up one morning and started feeling like this, or questioning our actions, or realise that “this is just too much” for us. This is years or months of constantly caring for someone and putting their needs first day in, day out. Some may say, it is like everything else in life, it must be done in moderation, but how do you care for a loved one or client in moderation? It is generally an all or nothing approach. However, WE as Caregivers MUST FIND BALANCE.
A lot of time, finding the balance may seem physically impossible. However, having a plan puts you one step closer to relieving your stress.
Are you a Family Caregiver? Or Were you a Family Caregiver? ALL are Welcomed.
Join Caregivers Support Group of Trinidad & Tobago
Membership is FREE – Call or WhatsApp - 1-868-310-2742)
Send comments to email ashamungal@gmail.com
Our May Meeting will be held on
Saturday 11th May, 2019
at St Joseph Community Centre
Please confirm your spot via WhatsApp 310-2742