Stressed Caregiver for Husband and Parents Asks for Tips to Relax
Dear Carol: I’m taking care of my 68-year-old husband with several serious medical diagnoses, as well as my 97-year-old mother in memory care. My daily drive to memory care for my mom is emotionally and physically tiring. My husband can take care of his physical needs, but he has multiple treatments and appointments each week, and I want to be with him. I cook, clean, shop, and do all the household chores. When I go to bed, so many “what ifs” run through my mind that I can’t sleep. I’ve got an appointment to see my primary physician and will discuss stress then, but that’s not until fall. Do you have any caregiver relaxation tips? – DG
Dear DG: Goodness, it’s no wonder you’re stressed. You’re always on the go with appointments for your husband and seeing to your mom’s needs in memory care. That alone is wearing. Additionally, you’re carrying emotional pain, plus you’re on 24/7 alert to take care of emergencies. The unrelenting stress of caregiving takes a toll on our health, yet that’s the reality of many caregivers. Making an appointment with your doctor was a positive step. Still, there are steps we can take on our own, so I’ll suggest…
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Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories.
Minding Our Elders is an inspiring read for caregivers! Minding Our Elders is a series of stories about caregiving. But it is much more than that. It’s a book that helps us view aging and community through the lens of someone well versed in eldercare. Author Carol Bradley Bursack has been a caregiver for a neighbor and six elderly members of her family. These experiences made her the perfect person to interview and share the stories of friends and acquaintances. Through crisp writing and a sharp focus, we enter the lives of those struggling to care for loved ones with dementia and other age-related illnesses. As I read Minding Our Elders, I felt myself filling up with both appreciation and admiration for those who adopt the caregiving role. In addition, I was struck with the inherent value Carol sees in our elders. This is a well-written book that will stir your heart! …Ann C