Caregiver Role Strain
What is caregiver role strain?
Caregiver: someone who provides care for a person
Caregiver role strain: when caregivers find it hard to perform their roles or feel stressed by situations such as:
- financial burden
- increased responsibility
- change in family life
- role change
What are signs of role strain?
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Is what I am feeling normal?
Yes, it is normal. It is not easy to care for someone with an illness. As a caregiver of a loved one it is normal to feel lonely, angry, or guilty.
What can I do?
Taking care of someone takes a lot of energy. It is important to care for your own health. Do not ignore your own needs. Accept that there is a limit to what you can do.
Organize your life. Write down your daily routine. Put the list in the order of importance. Be flexible enough to change your priorities when something out of your control happens. Have the person's health records in order and easily accessible. Have a list of phone numbers, medicines, and other important information. Know your limits. Recognize things you cannot control.
Build a support team. These are people you can count on at any time. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Accept help if someone offers. Your support team may include: family members, friend, chaplain, counselor, nurse or doctor. Make sure to talk with your support team about your feelings. It is easy and important Keep a journal. Don't isolate yourself. Take time out for yourself. Spending time with family and friends is a great way to relax. Using home health care, family, friends, or respite care is also suggested. It is okay for you to take time to enjoy your favorite pastime at least once a week. The support from others is the key to your success.
Eat healthy meals everyday. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plenty of water are a great way to start. Use your favorite foods during stressful times as a comfort food. Prepare extra portions and place them into containers to freeze for a quick meal. Consider Meals on Wheels and other programs that provide nutritious meals at a small charge delivered right to your home.
Look at the positive. Take pride in what you know and what you can do. Although giving care can be hard, you are doing great things for your loved one. Use humor
Find time together. You are a team. Talk about the care you provide and your relationship. Find time together to do things you enjoy. You could go for a picnic or on a date.
Take care of your own health. Allow yourself to take a break from care giving. It is healthy for you and your loved one. To care for someone you also need to care for yourself. To care for yourself,
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Exercise regularly.
- Do quick stretches to help reduce tension and maintain muscle tone.
- Sustain your spirituality.
- Continue to do the things you enjoy.
- Remember to laugh.
Where could I go for more help?
Talk with a member of your health care team if you are feeling any symptoms of strain. Below is a list of resources that may be helpful.
When Your Loved One’s Life Changes… So Does YOURS
Support Group at UW-Hospital G5/142
To sign up call Penny at 608-263-8574 or email pandrews@uwhealth.org
Share the Care
Book by Cappy Caposseia and Sheila Warnock
Fireside, 2004
| Area Agency on Aging of Dane County www.co.dane.wi.us/aging/ |
Family Caregiving 101 www.familycaregiving101.org |
| The National Family Caregivers Association http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org/index.cfm |
National Caregivers Library www.caregiverslibrary.org/ |
| Caregiver.com www.caregiver.comRead issues of Today's Caregiver Magazine |
Medicare Caregiver Information |
| Net of Care's Information & Resources for Caregivers http://www.netofcare.org |
Eldercare Locator |
| Family Caregiver Alliance www.caregiver.orgBilingual information in Spanish and Chinese |
WI Family Caregiver Support Program www.wisconsincaregiver.org |
You can also contact an organization specific to your diagnosis to see what they have to offer.
References
Rolland, J. S. (1994). In sickness and in health: The impact of illness on couples’ relationships. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 20(4), 327.
Novielli, K.D., & Mockus Parks, S. (2000). A practical guide to caring for caregivers.
American Family Physician, 62(12).
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 02/28/2011
Copyright © 10/19/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6921
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