The Effects on the Caregiver

The effects on the caregiver are often ignored until, weeks later, the caregiver’s attitude and mood reflect their exhaustion. Caregivers who give up their own interests, hobbies and social commitments to care for a loved one often experience feelings of isolation which can lead to depression. Caregivers also have an increased risk for substance abuse, weight gain and other health problems . . . Read more about the effects on caregivers jobs here!

1. Depression

Professional caregiving jobs can experience a wide range of emotions which can affect their mental health. These emotions include grief, anger, frustration, resentment, depression and/or anxiety . . . 

2. Stress and Anxiety

Being a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is stressful. Caregivers who feel stressed or anxious need to learn how to relax and care for themselves so they don’t get burned out. Here are some tips to help relieve stress:

Healthier ways to express your anger: 

Caregivers often find themselves feeling angry towards the person they are caring for. Here are three tips to help you find healthier ways of dealing with anger:

A. Look at the problem from the other person’s point of view and ask yourself if something you said or did contributed to their behavior.

B. Ask yourself if your frustration is justified and helpful to the person you are caring for.

C. Give yourself permission to feel angry when you need to, but remember that it is not always necessary to take out your anger on a loved one

3. Addictions

Caregivers can be heavily exposed to the effects of drugs and alcohol, and they may turn to alcohol or prescription drugs to help manage their stress and their symptoms

4. Self Care 

Caregivers should take care of themselves as much as possible. By doing this, they don’t give away the reins of caring for their loved one. In addition to making sure your wellbeing is taken care of, taking an interest in your own health can also reduce caregiver stress. 

5. Emotional Needs

Caregivers often feel an overwhelming need to check up on their loved one and make sure they are ok. This type of behavior may have a very negative effect on their wellbeing. In order to protect themselves emotionally and physically, they need to have some time away from their loved one. Here are some tips for taking a break:

A. Make an appointment at a local spa or massage parlor.

B. Take a walk in the park or take up an exercise class.

C. Visit a friend and spend time talking about something other than your loved one’s Alzheimer’s disease and dementia symptoms .

6. Professional and Social Supports 

Caregivers get the support they need from helping caregivers such as social workers, nursing assistants, home health aides, counselors and support groups. Talking with a counselor or therapist not only helps caregivers share their feelings and gain support from other caregivers, but it can also help them learn effective ways to cope with their stress and anxiety. A counselor or therapist may be able to make adjustments to the care plan so that it is both realistic and manageable. Caregivers often feel isolated when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or some other dementia. They sometimes forget that they need the support of friends and other family members.

Summary

Caregivers are the main person in charge of helping the person who has dementia and their family to cope with this illness. They need to be able to take care of their own emotional and physical needs so they can handle caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. If they don’t address their own needs, they will get burned out, which can affect their health in the long run.