Are You Drowning in Caregiving?

An area of concern that I get asked about the most is finding someone to give the caregiver a break.Most adult children fall into caregiving as a result of an incident that placed their elder in a crisis situation. After the dust settles and reality sets in often we realize that our lives have changed and this change is often not welcomed.We find ourselves unprepared for caring for our parentespecially when that care is for issues such as dementia, incontinence or immobility. A period of time goes by and then we begin to feel totally overwhelmed. Most of this feeling can be a result of trying to be ALL to our parent. We find that our life, our family, and our routine has gone by the wayside.Many caregivers try to provide care single-handedlywhile neglecting their own needs. It is commonamoung caregivers to think that their life has to comesecond to the needs of their parent. Martyrdom is common.This thinking often leads to frustration, anger and guilt. We forget that we have a right to live and that balance is necessary in everyone's life.There are solutions but they require risk. Many caregivers often fear asking for help because they fear rejection. Admitting that they cannot handle all the caregiving alone is often terrifying. Most wonder why others will not offer to help so they do not have to ask.Picking up the reins is what will help us regain control of our lives. Creating a Freedom Plan1) Get special instruction to provide thecare needed. Ask your doctor for a Medicare Occupational Therapist or a Nurse to instruct you on incontinence care,bathing, a Physical Therapist to teach you how to transfer your parent to the toilet, in/out of the car, set up an exercise routine,etc.2) Make a list of all the things that will give you a break.ex: a cooked meal twice a weeka sitter 9:00am to noon Tuesday and Thursdayplay cards with mom every Wednesday afternoon3) Join a support team even when you think you do not need it. 4) Hire a baby sitter to sit with your parent so you can have a night out with spouse or family night.5) Plan a Vacation by swapping homes with a sibling.6) Hire respite care regularly for you and your family.7) Start all this as soon as possible so your parentgets use to different people providing the care.Keep your needs list current. ANYTIME ANYONE asks if you need anything go right to this list and ask them to choose what ever they feel they can do.You will be amazed how often people will sign up to help when you are clear on your needs.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/

About the Author:Alice Endy is a Registered Nurse with advanced certification as a Gerontological Nurse. Alice has helped thousands provide care and support to their elder family members. Alice has been a caregiver for her Mother who is in her twelfth year of Alzheimers Disease. http://www.asknursealice.com/

Avoid Burnout When Caregiving An Aging ParentBy

When providing care to aging or disabled parents, many caregivers ignore the most important person involved in the caregiving process. "Who?" - you may ask? The answer might surprise you: The Caregiver.Many times caregivers get so wrapped up in attending to parent’s needs, trying to fit quality time with their own family into their schedule, and oftentimes attempting to balance a career, they forget or simply neglect to take some time for their own personal needs.As a caregiver, the results of not allocating personal time can easily lead to intense emotions such as stress, anxiety, frustration, guilt, and feeling extremely overwhelmed. Many caregivers fail to realize that these emotions and feelings could lead to caregiver burnout.If you have just taken the reins as a caregiver to your parent, or perhaps you have been serving in the role for years, you may have never heard of the term “caregiver burnout” or would even recognize the early warning signs. And you may not be aware that caregivers have an increased risk for depression, diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems.Caregiver burnout is the unpleasant side effects many adult children have to cope with when providing care to their aging or disabled parents. The signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout may display themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally.The most important thing to remember as a caregiver, and to avoid burnout, is to make some time for yourself. Whether it is treating yourself to a shopping trip, preparing your favorite meal, or going on a vacation getaway for the weekend with your own family, remember you should not feel guilty for putting your own wants and needs first.The second thing to remember as a caregiver is never hesitate or feel embarrassed to ask for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask a sibling or another family member for assistance. You may also consider adult day care, or respite care to provide you some relief.Even if you just need a day away from your role as caregiver, don’t let your guilty conscience persuade you otherwise. It would be better to enjoy a day of rest and relaxation to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul before letting yourself fall into the ruts of burnout.There are proven and effective methods to combat and prevent caregiver burnout. These techniques are easy and simple daily activities. Anyone can practice these burnout-relieving techniques, whether it’s taking an early morning jog or writing in a journal before bed.You will find yourself amazed at how taking less than an hour a day can alleviate the stress and anxiety that comes along with providing care to an aging or disabled parent, especially those with rapidly deteriorating health or suffering from the heart-wrenching effects of Alzheimer’s disease.In addition of ways to prevent caregiver burnout, there are also many helpful resources available to guide you through the confusing emotions and physically exhausting situations you may find yourself in as a caregiver. If you feel you may already be experiencing burnout, talk to someone, whether it’s your spouse, friend, or physician.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/

About the Author:Dana Sanders is the author of "Becoming Your Parent's Caregiver", an ebook written out of her own experience and that provides advice for the children of an aging or disabled parent. Please visit http://www.caregivingaparent.com/ for information to help you care for your parent.

Coping With The Emotional Challenges Of Caregiving A Parent

By: Dana Sanders


Do you know someone acting as a caregiver to an aging or disabled parent, maybe a friend, loved-one, or a co-worker? Are you serving as the role of caregiver yourself? Do the emotional challenges seem impossible to deal with some days, and you just don’t know how you can handle anymore?

As a caregiver for my mother, I would like to share my personal experiences and insight on how to successfully cope with the emotional challenges of serving as a caregiver to an aging or disabled parent. In my e-book Becoming Your Parent’s Caregiver, I detail my caregiver experiences and helpful resources to help you cope with all the emotional challenges you may face while serving as caregiver.

I believe the best way for caregivers to cope with the many emotions they will experience in providing care to aging parents is to prepare themselves for the wide range of emotions that pave the long and unforgettable road of caregiving.

Initially caregivers may relish in a great sense of self-worth and accomplishment, believing they have found a worthwhile purpose in their life. While some adult children are thwarted into the role of caregiver unexpectedly, many others eagerly agree to the role with a nurturing perspective that only they can provide the best care for their parent.

However, months or even years down the emotion-paved road of caregiving, the gung ho attitude is usually lost, or quickly dissipating. Caregivers begin to encounter more overwhelming emotions such as fear, frustration, guilt, and even caregiver burnout. When I provided care for my mother, I experienced all of these emotions at one time or another.

The one same fear most caregivers share is that of the unknown. Many caregivers worry that they won’t be able to afford adequate housing, appropriate medical care, or long-term insurance, if and when, the time ever comes to make those decisions. Caregiving to a parent on a limited income can make matters even more stressful. However, caregivers can combat the fear of the unknown by making preparations and planning before making any life-altering decisions.

Aside from fear, caregivers also feel extreme emotions of being overwhelmed at least once during their role as caregiver. Often caregivers feel guilty and torn between spending time with their own families and friends, while acting as a caregiver. Caregivers with a career also feel overwhelmed trying to juggle a career while trying to successfully allocate time to be a caregiver. The legal responsibilities associated with caregiving are also overwhelming. Issues such as naming a Power of Attorney, Living Wills, and Healthcare Proxies, can not only be physically and emotionally draining for a caregiver, but extremely frustrating if preparations haven’t been made in advance.

Usually in the midst of being overwhelmed, the caregiver forgets about the most important person of all - the caregiver. Oftentimes caregivers hold to the belief that they can do it all, never asking siblings or other family members to share in the caregiving responsibilities.

If you or someone you know find yourself in this situation, it’s important to realize asking for help and seeking support groups is not a sign of weakness. There is also a wealth of valuable resources available to help cope with all the emotional challenges of acting as a caregiver to an aging or disabled parent.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com


About the Author:

Dana Sanders is the author of Becoming Your Parent's Caregiver, an ebook written out of her own experience and that provides advice for the children of an aging or disabled parent. Please visit www.caregivingaparent.com for information to help you care for your parent.