By Jane E. Brody — 2008
Whether you choose to be a family caregiver or the job is thrust upon you by circumstances, your most important responsibility beyond caring for your ill or disabled relative is caring for yourself.
Read on www.nytimes.com
CLEAR ALL
Caring for a loved one strains even the most resilient people. If you’re a caregiver, take steps to preserve your own health and well-being.
Adjusting your attitude is easier than you think.
Caring for a loved one can be stressful, and that stress can have a considerable impact on a caregiver’s personal health and well-being.
An attitude of heightened awareness and focused attention can have great benefits.
Here are just some of the pressures that many caregivers face.
If you’re a caregiver, here’s how to identify burnout—and what you can do about it.
Recognizing and Preventing Caregiver Overload
Recognize the signs and get the help you need to reduce the toll on your body and mind
Caregivers who are “burned out” may have fatigue, stress, anxiety, and depression.
Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. Stressed caregivers may experience fatigue, anxiety and depression. Some ways to prevent burnout include joining a caregiver support group and using respite care services.