Caregiver Stress Is a Given; How to Manage It Is Key
Most of us lead frantic lives. That’s the nature of the world today. When you add to that the job—for it is a high-stress job no matter how lovingly we do it—of caring for an aging loved one, it’s no wonder that some members of the Caregiver Forum say they often daydream about running away from it all.
Many of us belong to the sandwich generation; we are caring for aging parents while raising our own children. Back in my caregiving days, I cared for a total of seven elders along with my two sons. Talk about a sandwich—mine was a whopper! Yes, there were times when I wondered how I could possibly keep it up. There were certainly times when I would have loved to run away from all my responsibilities.
Obviously, we are responsible, caring people who wouldn’t do that, but we can’t simply ignore these urges to return to “normal” life. Our feelings of exhaustion and stress are valid, even if we feel guilty about them. Don’t add to your burden by beating yourself up over these thoughts. Instead of resigning yourself to feeling powerless or ashamed, learn how to take an active role in fighting caregiver burnout, minimizing stress, and improving your mental health.
How to Minimize the Stress of Caregiving
If you feel like you’d love an escape from caregiving but can never find the time or energy to get away, then start small. Attend a yoga class, go to lunch with some friends, take a walk around the block or even engage in a little retail therapy. Above all, prioritize the categories…
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Support a caregiver or jump-start discussion in support groups with real stories – for bulk orders of Minding Our Elders e-mail Carol Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories.
Darlene Fuchs, Author of Get in the Boat: “Your shared stories are deeply moving and relatable, reflecting the varied emotions and challenges of caregiving for aging loved ones. “Minding Our Elders” serves as a poignant and invaluable resource, offering support and connection to caregivers on their journey.”
