Rx For Caregivers: Take Care Of Yourself

It is also a tremendous responsibility especially if the person cared for suffers from memory disorders, depression or serious illnesses. Besides looking after the needs of their older parents, "Sandwich generation" caregivers are also responsible for caring for their own children – often while holding down full or part-time jobs.

Over time stressed caregivers become exhausted, isolated and feel that they have no time left for themselves. Long to-do lists make it hard for them to socialize, attend religious services, cope with their own health problems, take a nap, meet a friend for lunch or enjoy spending time with their families.

Stress can sneak up on you. Many caregivers don't realize how daily caregiving duties are affecting their physical, mental and emotional health.

Signs of stress include:

• Exhaustion; sleeplessness
• Feeling blue
• Feeling isolated
• Overeating or lack of appetite
• Difficulty concentrating
• Increased tobacco or alcohol use
• Anger, irritability, depression
• Neglecting their own health
• Anxiety

Once a caregiver realizes the toll caregiving is taking, he or she can look for ways to manage or reduce stress levels.

It doesn't always take much to banish stress from your life as a caregiver. Ask yourself what causes your stress and try to minimize it. Remind yourself that there are some things you can change and some things that you can't.

Suggestions for minimizing stress:

• Focus on what your loved one can do, not what he or she cannot do.
• Be patient with your loved one and enjoy the time you have together as much as possible.
• Look for the humor in caregiving.
• Set aside quiet time for meditation, prayer, listening to music, reading, other relaxation techniques, or just being by yourself.
• Seek advice from a counselor or religious advisor.
• Ask other family members, friends and neighbors to help.

Many communities offer support groups that meet on a regular basis. Meetings give caregivers an opportunity to get to know other caregivers, increase knowledge of the disease, learn ways to cope with Alzheimer's or other behaviors, and learn about helpful community resources. The Alzheimer's Association website has a list of support group listings and online message boards so you can communicate with other caregivers.

A BREAK FROM CAREGIVING

Adult day programs offer safe places for older adults to enjoy activities and the company of other people. These programs make it possible for employed caregivers to continue to work or to have much-needed time for themselves. Search your local telephone directory or online for "Adult Day Care" or "Aging Services" to find programs in your area or contact your local Area Agency on Aging.

FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

Caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or any serious illness can be a very hard and also a very special experience for many families. It gives them the opportunity to strengthen their relationship and make their loved one's late life as pleasant as possible.