The dictionary defines stress as a type of intense mental tension that is the consequence of demanding circumstances. While some stress is helpful for propelling people to action, chronic stress means living in that state for long periods of time, often without respite. Family caregivers are frequently exposed to chronic stress, and studies show that it can lead to caregiver burnout. Hiring elderly care providers may be the best way to stop chronic stress and give family caregivers their much-needed breaks.
So why are family caregivers more likely to suffer from chronic stress? When elderly relatives experience physical or cognitive decline, it means they require a lot of help. When family members pitch in to help, they often don’t realize how difficult and exhausting the job can be. Before long, they are working all the time on behalf of their elderly relative, often to the point of physical and mental exhaustion. Without a plan in place to manage their stress levels, family caregivers are well on their way to caregiver burnout.
If family caregivers notice one or more of these warning signs that are common in those with chronic stress, it may be time for them to seriously look at how an elderly care provider might help.
Mood Swings
As the mind struggles to deal with the fatigue and strain of chronic stress, it can trigger all kinds of mood swings in family caregivers. From angry and irritable to weepy and morose, family caregivers can experience a range of emotions. Often, small things can trigger a shift in attitude. If family caregivers find themselves at the mercy of volatile mood swings, it may be time for an elderly care provider to share the load.
Neglecting Self-Care
When the family caregiver is fully focused on their aging relative and all the responsibilities take up their free time, it’s very easy to see how self-care becomes the last priority in life. Family caregivers must make time for exercise, healthy eating, rest and time for their own medical and dental appointments. Hiring an elderly care provider can give family caregivers the time they need for a break.
Avoiding Social Activities
Everyone needs meaningful human connections, but family caregivers often don’t have time for leisure activities with loved ones. With an elderly care provider available, family caregivers can schedule time with others with no pressure or guilt.
Frequent Illness
Chronic stress from being a caregiver can lead to a weakened immune system, high blood pressure, poor circulation and a host of other health problems. This makes the family caregiver vulnerable to germs and other diseases. Getting some balance and taking advantage of breaks can reduce stress and therefore improve their health so they can be better, stronger and more capable caregivers.
Caring for an elderly adult is more than a one-person job. Family caregivers that don’t have help from other family members, home care aides, and others are at risk of burnout. Making the decision to hire an elderly care provider benefits both the aging adult and the family caregiver in the end.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING ELDERLY CARE IN NEW EAST SIDE, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.
So why are family caregivers more likely to suffer from chronic stress? When elderly relatives experience physical or cognitive decline, it means they require a lot of help. When family members pitch in to help, they often don’t realize how difficult and exhausting the job can be. Before long, they are working all the time on behalf of their elderly relative, often to the point of physical and mental exhaustion. Without a plan in place to manage their stress levels, family caregivers are well on their way to caregiver burnout.
If family caregivers notice one or more of these warning signs that are common in those with chronic stress, it may be time for them to seriously look at how an elderly care provider might help.
Mood Swings
As the mind struggles to deal with the fatigue and strain of chronic stress, it can trigger all kinds of mood swings in family caregivers. From angry and irritable to weepy and morose, family caregivers can experience a range of emotions. Often, small things can trigger a shift in attitude. If family caregivers find themselves at the mercy of volatile mood swings, it may be time for an elderly care provider to share the load.
Neglecting Self-Care
When the family caregiver is fully focused on their aging relative and all the responsibilities take up their free time, it’s very easy to see how self-care becomes the last priority in life. Family caregivers must make time for exercise, healthy eating, rest and time for their own medical and dental appointments. Hiring an elderly care provider can give family caregivers the time they need for a break.
Avoiding Social Activities
Everyone needs meaningful human connections, but family caregivers often don’t have time for leisure activities with loved ones. With an elderly care provider available, family caregivers can schedule time with others with no pressure or guilt.
Frequent Illness
Chronic stress from being a caregiver can lead to a weakened immune system, high blood pressure, poor circulation and a host of other health problems. This makes the family caregiver vulnerable to germs and other diseases. Getting some balance and taking advantage of breaks can reduce stress and therefore improve their health so they can be better, stronger and more capable caregivers.
Caring for an elderly adult is more than a one-person job. Family caregivers that don’t have help from other family members, home care aides, and others are at risk of burnout. Making the decision to hire an elderly care provider benefits both the aging adult and the family caregiver in the end.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING ELDERLY CARE IN NEW EAST SIDE, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.