Can caregiver stress affect my health?
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Shelley Webb answered:According to the Alzheimer's Association, 40% of caregivers die BEFORE the person for whom they are caring!
That is why it is imperative that you make self-care a priority. Think of yourself as an automobile; the car doesn't go anywhere when the gas tank is empty. Another analogy would be the airline passenger who is instructed to place their own oxygen mask on their face before assisting any other passengers.
Caregiving is stressful, isolating, emotionally-draining and exhausting. You must make time for yourself. And I know what you're thinking - "there IS no time for myself; I'm too busy caring for other people". Put that thought aside and just do it!
Make a list of friends and family who might be able to relieve you for 2-3 hours at least 2 times a week. Check with your place of worship; they may have a respite program. Check with your Area Agency on Aging - some localities have scholarship programs for respite care. Many cities have "Senior Buddy Programs" where a senior citizen will become a buddy to your loved one so that you can get out for awhile. Home care agencies also offer respite care workers (at a cost) who will come to your home and sit with your loved one.
Getting out for a couple of hours will refresh your spirit, calm your nerves, allow you to regroup and will ultimately make you a better caregiver.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulAccording to the Alzheimer's Association, 40% of caregivers die BEFORE the person for whom they are caring! That is why it is imperative that you make self-care a priority. Think of yourself as an automobile; the car doesn't go anywhere when... More -
Sarine Salama of MDLIVE answered:Caregiver stress can greatly effect one's health. The caregiver becomes so immersed in their caregiving respoinsibilty, that they dont realize the harm they are doing themselves, both mentally and physically. Mentally, caregivers can become drained to the point they require medication or usually counseling intervention to help aid them. Physically, the person may lose or gain weight, not care for themselves, stop exercising and eating healthy because they are overwhelmed with the caregiving responsibility. It is important to reach out and ask for help from your family, neighbors, friends, and local community resources. Get yourself some counseling or guidance from a qualified professional or support group that focuses on the issue you are dealing with. Talk to your doctor about some medications you may be able tot ake to help alleviate some symptoms you may be feeling.
Caregiver stress can greatly effect one's health. The caregiver becomes so immersed in their caregiving respoinsibilty, that they dont realize the harm they are doing themselves, both mentally and physically. Mentally, caregivers can become drained... More -
Piedmont Heart Institute answered:Although most caregivers are in good health, it is not uncommon for caregivers to have serious health problems. Research shows that caregivers:
Are more likely to be have symptoms of depression or anxiety Are more likely to have a long-term medical problem, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or arthritis Have higher levels of stress hormones Spend more days sick with an infectious disease Have a weaker immune response to the influenza, or flu, vaccine Have slower wound healing Have higher levels of obesity May be at higher risk for mental decline, including problems with memory and paying attentionOne research study found that elderly people who felt stressed while taking care of their disabled spouses were 63 percent more likely to die within 4 years than caregivers who were not feeling stressed.
Part of the reason that caregivers often have health problems is that they are less likely to take good care of themselves. For instance, women caregivers, compared with women who are not caregivers, are less likely to:
Get needed medical care Fill a prescription because of the cost Get a mammogramAlso, caregivers report that, compared with the time before they became caregivers, they are less likely to:
Get enough sleep Cook healthy meals Get enough physical activity This answer is based on the source infromation from the National Women's Health Information Center
Although most caregivers are in good health, it is not uncommon for caregivers to have serious health problems. Research shows that caregivers: Are more likely to be have symptoms of depression or anxiety Are more likely to have a long-term medical... More
