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5 Caregiver Stress Management Techniques To Help Create A Peaceful Relationship With Senior Relatives

BLOG-12-Oaks---caregiver-look-stress------What-Is-Caregiver-Stress-Management_feature | 5 Caregiver Stress Management Techniques To Help Create A Peaceful Relationship With Senior Relatives

As you stand in the kitchen preparing your mother’s lunch, your hand traces the familiar tile design. It’s the same house you grew up in, and memories rush forward of your childhood. From helping your mother with baking or sitting at the table talking about school, a wave of emotion rolls through, and you need to take a deep breath for it to pass. Today, your mother is very different from the woman in those memories and hasn’t been able to hold a conversation with you for weeks.

You mentally review your checklist of errands to complete after lunch, getting distracted and slicing your finger with the bread knife. The small cut begins to bleed while you search the kitchen, trying to find a bandaid. You feel the frustration boiling up inside you over the cluttered cupboards and the constant race against the clock.

These feelings of anxiety and anger fall under caregiver stress. As the population in America ages, more untrained medical professionals take on the responsibility of their elder family members’ care. Learn more about caregiver stress management and find a solution that will work for you and your family.

 

What Is Caregiver Stress Management?

It isn’t easy to pinpoint when you became your mother’s full-time caregiver. At first, you wanted to be the one taking her to appointments, excited with any opportunity for time together. Then you started staying for dinner or cleaning the house during the day until you decided it would be easier to move back home. Your extended family members celebrated the decision and praised you for putting your mother first.

On some days, the overwhelming sensation of not doing enough can take your breath away. You have no clue if you’re doing a good job monitoring your mother’s condition, and every time you reach out to family members, they reassure you that no one could do it as well as you. Lately, you’re beginning to resent this pressure and responsibility. You didn’t expect to sacrifice your career and personal life in the process and try to quiet the resentment building in your heart.

These feelings and cycles are called caregiver stress. They present in physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. Signs of stress include:

 

Caregiver Stress Management Techniques

While many caregivers will isolate themselves and feel embarrassed by these feelings, you are not alone. Take these steps to relieve your caregiver’s stress and learn how to reduce responsibility and lead a more balanced life.

 

1. Support Group

When you turn to your family, they automatically praise you but don’t listen. Find a local support group of other caregivers and embrace the space for speaking your mind. In a support group, you won’t feel judged and will find new ways of approaching daily tasks.

 

2. Find A Community

While you might become overwhelmed and isolated due to providing care, it’s essential to maintain a community. Find activities that you can do with your mother outside of the house or make an effort to look for online resources and forums. Connecting with other people in similar situations will ease the tension and stress you feel.

 

3. Schedule Personal Time

It’s essential to carve out time just for you by finding a secluded spot for reading, going for a walk, or even just taking a nap. You do not need to forfeit your comfort to provide the best care to your relatives. In fact, the more you take care of yourself, the better the help you will provide.

 

4. Ask For Help

Have an honest conversation with your family members. It’s great that they are supportive, but it’s not a sign of failure to ask for help. Open the conversation and invite your relatives to spend time with your mother. You can also let everyone know you are researching the cost of hiring a nurse.

 

5. Make Sleep A Priority

Getting a good night’s sleep can help with depression, cardiovascular health and leave you refreshed to start your day. If you are experiencing difficulty sleeping, lower your caffeine intake or speak to your doctor.

 

The 12 Oaks Approach

The trend of watching families support their older family members has been increasing with the population of Americans. By 2030, 20% of the American population will be over 65 years old. Our 12 Oaks managed communities work diligently to prepare for any questions or concerns you may have. Our communities are an extension of your home, and our team is an extension of your family.

We are building our communities to support your family during these difficult times. We are trained for senior living situations and focus on delivering the best care possible. When you enter the 12 Oaks family, you gain a bridge into supportive outreach and tools to help your relatives embrace their golden years.

 

If you have questions about caregiver stress management techniques or any conditions discussed here, connect with us and learn more.

At 12 Oaks, our team of caring professionals is dedicated to keeping residents safe, engaged, and connected to their families and friends while still leading fulfilling lives. There’s no better place to enjoy the encore season of life than at a 12 Oaks community.

For questions or to schedule a visit, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

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Searching for senior living help? At 12 Oaks Senior Living, we would love to learn more about your unique needs and the opportunity we may have to help you meet them. Our blog is one of the valuable resources we provide to inform and encourage seniors to lead fulfilling and thriving lives.

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