Stress and Support for Caregivers

If you are the primary caregiver for someone in your family or your work involves caring for those elderly or unwell, it’s essential you have care too.

If you are so busy or focused on those you’re caring for you might not notice the early signs that your own health and wellbeing is suffering. 

Caregiver stress can look and feel like:

Feeling burdened or worrying all the time.

Feeling tired often.

Sleeping too much or not enough.

Gaining or losing weight.

Becoming easily irked or angry.

Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy.

Feeling sad.

Having frequent headaches or other pains or health problems.

Misusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medicines.

Missing your own medical appointments due to prioritising others.

To ensure you are not giving at the expense of your own health it can be helpful to put some of the following support in place.

• Letting your Care Manager know how you are feeling.

• Ensuring that you are getting enough sleep and prioritising good sleep hygiene.

• Take regular breaks not only throughout the day but plan time away if you can.

• Prioritise eating well and moving your body in ways that are easy to fit in with your day and your caring responsibilities.

• Create habits or hobbies that support your switching off and relaxing such as a craft and weave that into your day or regularly into your week 

• Focus on the things you can control however small.

• Read a funny book. 

• Play with your dog or time with your pet

• Enjoy the small luxuries whatever that might look like for you such as; lighting a candle or taking the time to enjoy a special meal or running a bath.

• Seeking a professional care Caregiver support group 

Remember it’s not selfish or indulgent to look after yourself. It’s the first rule of all good first aid to ensure that you’re not putting yourself at risk before supporting others. 

From a “full tank” you will have so much more to give. 

Here at HomeCare Australia we can support you to access respite care please see our article Pros and Cons of Respite Care or contact us for more information.