Caregivers are relatives or friends of individuals which chronic illnesses or disabilities who provide them with care. Many Americans take on the role of being a caregiver with one in three adults being a caregiver in the past and one in five currently identified as caregivers. Caregiving is not limited to adults either. There are between 1.3 to 1.4 million American children between 8 and 18 years old who are caregivers.
There are many benefits of care giving for the ones being cared for and the caregivers. Caregiving allows recipients to: Retain their quality of life and independence. Avoid living in a group setting (institutionalization). Have less depression. Self-manage their chronic conditions better.
Caregiving can also benefit caregivers by helping them: Increase their self-confidence and fulfillment from helping others. Start or add to social networks of friendships associated with caregiving. Feel needed and useful. Learn and develop new skills.
Caregiving can be rewarding, but it can also be stressful and exhausting. It can bring about emotional, financial, psychological, and physical strain as caregivers often give time, money, and mental and physical energy to caring for their loved ones. They frequently neglect their own needs, which puts them at high risk of developing chronic conditions. Because of this, it is essential to provide support for those who are taking care of others.
Consider these four tips to help you cope with caregiving that comes from Utah State Extension.
Use coping strategies. Worry and fear are normal emotions when a loved one is diagnosed with a chronic illness. Having a range of healthy coping strategies, including good sleep, meditation, exercise, etc., and knowing when to seek assistance from a professional to manage emotional reactions can be helpful for processing and coping with caregiving.
Make time for yourself. It is easy to let caregiving take over your life and free time, but it can also be unhealthy. Many caregivers face a lack of time and energy because of caregiving. They also struggle and feel guilty leaving the person they care for behind when it is time to go. Work to find a balance of caregiving and personal time. Schedule it, and make sure when the time comes to leave, you treat it like an appointment, so you have time to rejuvenate.
Reach out to others. Whether it is a trusted friend, a peer support group, or a mental health professional, talk to someone you feel safe with. It is important to work through the anxieties and stressors of being a caregiver and still feel connected to social relationships. Donât hesitate to contact friends and family when you need help and support. Be clear about what you need, set boundaries and be willing to accept help.
Use available resources. See resources to help make your load more manageable. For example, ask your health care provider, your church, a social worker, or other services such as the Area Agency on Aging for local caregiver support services. Search online databases such as the national database www.211.org or Texas Department of Human Services. You can also contact other caregivers who may know of resources.
Kathy Smith is a Texas A&M AgriLife extension agent in Parker County.
