being a caregiver
“There are only four kinds of people in the world. Those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.” ~ First Lady Rosalynn Carter
“My goodness,” Lorna’s physician exclaimed. “Are you telling me you’re taking care of both your parents and you’re working full-time? Caregiving is already a full-time job! Let’s talk about how you can take better care of you.”
If you already have experienced devoting your time and energy to caring for someone you love as they deal with aging or illness, you know how true these words are. But did you know you’re in good company? According to a 2019 AARP report called Family Caregiving in Virginia, over 40% of voters aged 40 and above have experience as unpaid family caregivers. Most people take on the “job” with no prior experience or training. And most also work outside of their homes.
This can be a very rewarding time for a family—a time to grow closer and focus on the things that matter most. It can also be exhausting. The AARP report states that almost 90% of family caregivers experience some form of stress while providing care, whether emotionally, financially, or physically. Sleep is interrupted, it’s not always easy to find time to see to everyday tasks (much less prepare for special occasions or holidays), and it often feels like there’s just no time for you.
According to the Mayo Clinic, signs of caregiver stress might include:
It’s important that you recognize your own needs and limits so you can be the caregiver you want to be without feeling overwhelmed by the task. The image often used here is of being in a plane when pressure drops and the oxygen masks are released, and you need to put your own on first so you can then help others with their masks as well.
Connections + is here to help you and your loved one make the most of your time together during this phase of your lives. We’ll help you chart a path to the future, so you don’t have to make it up as you go. Meanwhile, we hope you will take self-care as seriously as we do. See our sister article, 7 self-care tips, to find the right self-care methods that can help you be your best self as you care for others.
Here are some links we have found useful. Please feel free to reach out to your Connections + care coordinator if you have any questions.
“My goodness,” Lorna’s physician exclaimed. “Are you telling me you’re taking care of both your parents and you’re working full-time? Caregiving is already a full-time job! Let’s talk about how you can take better care of you.”
If you already have experienced devoting your time and energy to caring for someone you love as they deal with aging or illness, you know how true these words are. But did you know you’re in good company? According to a 2019 AARP report called Family Caregiving in Virginia, over 40% of voters aged 40 and above have experience as unpaid family caregivers. Most people take on the “job” with no prior experience or training. And most also work outside of their homes.
This can be a very rewarding time for a family—a time to grow closer and focus on the things that matter most. It can also be exhausting. The AARP report states that almost 90% of family caregivers experience some form of stress while providing care, whether emotionally, financially, or physically. Sleep is interrupted, it’s not always easy to find time to see to everyday tasks (much less prepare for special occasions or holidays), and it often feels like there’s just no time for you.
According to the Mayo Clinic, signs of caregiver stress might include:
- Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried
- Feeling tired often
- Getting too much sleep or not enough sleep
- Gaining or losing weight
- Becoming easily irritated or angry
- Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Feeling sad
- Having frequent headaches, bodily pain or other physical problems
- Abusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications
It’s important that you recognize your own needs and limits so you can be the caregiver you want to be without feeling overwhelmed by the task. The image often used here is of being in a plane when pressure drops and the oxygen masks are released, and you need to put your own on first so you can then help others with their masks as well.
Connections + is here to help you and your loved one make the most of your time together during this phase of your lives. We’ll help you chart a path to the future, so you don’t have to make it up as you go. Meanwhile, we hope you will take self-care as seriously as we do. See our sister article, 7 self-care tips, to find the right self-care methods that can help you be your best self as you care for others.
Here are some links we have found useful. Please feel free to reach out to your Connections + care coordinator if you have any questions.
- The National Cancer Institute has a booklet called Caring for the Caregiver that can be downloaded free of charge here.
- This AARP article offers some solid advice on how to find the right caregiver support group so you can be connected to others who really get what you’re experiencing as a caregiver.
