Dr. Dennis Sandler
I guess I actually began my career as a caregiver when I was an adolescent. Don’t we all have that one or two family members that we have “taken care” of forever? But the role of caregiver really sank in for me when my father developed Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 78. I have learned much since then about the stresses of care giving, as well as the necessity to take care of the caregiver. Since I am sure so many of you fellow baby-boomers are now playing the role of caregiver for someone special in your life, I thought I would reprint this short article from the Fall Issue of the Alzheimer’s Association publication, “Mind Matters.”
While you are taking care of your loved one, how are you taking care of you? Caregivers need to pay attention to their own health and need, so they have the strength, stamina, and patience to care for their loved ones. Make sure you maintain a healthy diet, get rest and exercise, take breaks with friends and family, attend to daily routines, and stay healthy. Here are some signs you need to care for yourself more frequently:
10 Warning Signs of Caregiver Stress
1. Denial – about the disease and its effects on the person who’s been diagnosed. “I know mom is going to get better.”
2. Anger – at the person with Alzheimer’s or others, or that no effective treatment or cures currently exist and that people don’t understand what’s going on. “If he asks me that question one more time, I’ll scream.
3. Social Withdrawal – from friends and activities that once brought pleasure. “I don’t care about getting with the neighbors anymore.”
4. Anxiety – about facing another day and what the future holds. “What happens when he needs more care than I can provide?”
5. Depression – begins to affect the ability to cope. “I don’t care anymore.”
6. Exhaustion – makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks. “I’m too tired for this.”
7. Sleeplessness – caused by a never-ending list of concerns. “What if she wanders out of the house or falls and hurts herself?”
8. Irritability – leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and reactions. “Leave me alone.”
9. Lack of Concentration – makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks. “I was so busy; I forgot we had an appointment.”
10. Health Problems – begin to take their toll, both mentally and physically. “I can’t remember the last time I felt good.”
