Oviedo Home Care Services

How to Manage the Stress of being a Family Caregiver

Over 65 million people in the United States are caregivers to a family member or relative, and this number is rising. The rising number of elderly people and changes to health care policies has resulted in an increase of care giving that stems from family members. While caring for a loved one can be extremely rewarding, it can also take a physical and emotional toll on the caregiver, so it is important to employ some strategies to manage caregiver stress and burnout.

Reach Out

Certain community organizations may be able to provide classes or support on care giving. Specifically, consult with a group that is directly related to your loved one’s disease, such as the Alzheimer’s Association. Check with your local hospital or county human services department to see what options are available in your area.

Accept Help

Most caregivers do not accept help, as many feel that they are placing a burden onto others or that the job is their responsibility. However, it is important to let others help in order to keep your stress at a manageable level. One way to make accepting help less stressful is to compile a list of the things that others can do to help you, and then allow the helper to select what he or she wants to do.

Get Some Rest

Work to improve your sleeping habits, as a lack of sleep can make it difficult to deal with the demands associated with care giving. A study completed by the University of California, Berkeley concluded that people who did not get enough sleep experienced significantly more anxiety than people who were less fatigued.

Find Support

There are several ways in which you can find support when you are dealing with caregiver stress. Support groups may be available, and these forums serve as a great way to receive advice and encouragement from other people who are in similar situations. You can also build connections and make friends who understand exactly what you are going through.

Stay Connected

It is important to stay connected with your friends and family when providing care to your loved one. Take a break each week to socialize, even if it for a simple phone conversation. Make plans to leave the house in order to connect with others away from the stress of your care giving environment.

Slow Down

If you begin to have accidents yourself as a result of your care giving, you need to slow down. These accidents are often warning signs that you have reached your limit. By slowing down and not rushing, you will be less likely to suffer an accident yourself.

Stay Positive

The attitude that you have when caring for your loved one can dramatically affect your stress level. Look at things in a positive light, and focus on what your loved one can do rather that what they cannot. Make every day count and focus on what is rewarding and special about your time together.

Plan Ahead

By planning for the future, you can work to relieve stress. Review the financial situation of your loved one and then plan accordingly. Consider an alternate plan for care giving in the event that you are no longer able to provide care.

Many caregivers experience stress or burnout as a result of caring for their loved one, and it is important to remember that what you feel is normal and that you are not alone. By following some of these steps, you can focus less on the stress and more on enjoying the time you have left with your loved one.

The Partners in Healthcare Client Experience will be accomplished when:

• Clients feel a sense of security because our caregivers are wearing their uniforms and ID cards.
• Clients are confident the same level of care will continue no matter who the caregiver is.
• Clients know “their” caregiver will always be on time and finish each task.
• When we retain our clients for the long-term by providing them the compassionate care they are truly seeking.
• Clients experience peace of mind knowing their caregiver has received the best training available.As a son, daughter, sibling or spouse of someone who has, or will need, home care services, nothing is more important than selecting the right caregiver for your loved one. Partners in Healthcare is a member of the CAREGIVER QUALITY ASSURANCE™ program. Members of this program are home care companies that go above and beyond the norm when selecting quality caregivers and ensure the best care is provided.
• We have achieved our position as a premier provider of client focused care due to the attention we provide to details. Our nurse managers and their teams are  committed to providing the highest quality of compassionate home health care  in the Ovideo area.

Our care environment is called “The Partners in Healthcare Way” it is the foundation for “Our Client Experience”.

Client Referral – Great Care