Some caregivers are at a higher risk of developing extreme stress because of their duties as a caregiver. If you’re aware of which risk factors apply to you, you can do something about them.
A History of Depression.
If you’ve already experienced depression at different points in your life, that can mean you’re more susceptible to caregiver stress at heavy levels. Having tools to manage depression gives you the tools to manage the situations that contribute to the stress you can experience in caregiving.
Being Socially Isolated.
When you’re feeling alone and isolated, that’s not a good situation. Caregiving naturally contributes to a feeling of isolation because you’re often alone with your aging family member for long periods of time. You may have to consciously reach out to other people in your life and seek out social interactions. It’s uncomfortable at first, but it can pay off.
Living with Your Senior Family Member.
If you’re living with your aging adult, you’re more likely to be spending a lot of your time alone with just her. This contributes to your social isolation, of course, but it can also leave you feeling as if you never have any down time from being a caregiver. It’s important if you’re in this situation to look for opportunities to take a break whenever you can.
Feeling as if You Didn’t Choose Caregiving.
Only children and other people who feel as if they never had a choice about being a caregiver usually don’t regret being a caregiver. It’s the psychological effect of not having been able to consciously make that choice from the start. One answer that can help is to look at why you continue to be a caregiver. That’s likely a choice that you do consciously make.
Having Few Breaks from Caregiving.
No matter what the reason is, when you’re not getting breaks from caregiving the sheer volume of what you have to do can become overwhelming. Everything starts to feel like a crisis, even if it isn’t really an emergency. Hiring senior care providers gives you a chance to take a break and to let someone else handle everything for a while.
Getting a solid handle on your own risks for developing severe caregiver stress allows you to put solutions in place sooner rather than later. Lean on your support networks and find ways to reduce the likelihood that stress will take over your caregiving experience.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring caregiver services in Charleston, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116. Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia and the surrounding areas.
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