The #1 Human Resource Issue in the Country: Caregiving

Comment by Jeanette Meyer on July 7, 2009 at 6:46pm

I saw where you say caregivers have stress related illnesses and use doctors more and health care plans. That is scary to me. I fear being one of those victims. I do not want the care of my mom to turn into a medical problem for me. How do we avoid those things from happening? I try to eat properly, and walk in the evenings when my husband is home. I try to keep a positive outlook on the situation at hand. I find that I fight lonliness more instead of stress related things. You cannot go the way you use to, or join a Bible study class, or make consistent plans about anything in your life. It has been two years and I still find that I am home most of the time with my mother. I want to protect myself against becoming ill while caring for her, what are the suggestions that you offer to prevent some of these illnesses?

Comment by Bryan Ford on July 8, 2009 at 6:57pm

You are right to keep an eye on your eating and exercise habits. Proper exercise and nutrition will be key in keeping you healthy as the primary carehelper to your mother.

However, what most people forget or negate (mostly because its the easiest to let slide) is their mental health, which has a direct link to your health as well. Stress, loneliness and depression are the most common complaints for carehelpers. But there are some things you can do to help:
1. Start writing in a journal or a blog and really explore your feelings. Not only does this help you express yourself, this helps you also understand yourself as well.
2. Try to stay as involved as you can with your church, hobby groups, or neighbors. Face to face contact is crucial for all of us and if its about something you truly enjoy, then you are more likely to create time for it.
3. Stay in touch with friends and family. Nowadays, this is much easier than ever before with cell phones and computers. Call someone daily and don't be afraid to open up and just talk and share stories. Get online. Invite people to join you at CaringSource.com or other social networking internet sites and create friendship groups that you can talk to routinely about caring issues or take a break and talk about your hobbies and interests - take a mind vacation. This technology really has the power to change people's lives.
4. Take advantage of respite care providers at local churches or in-home sitters if you can afford it. Even if its just for an short time while you meet a friend for lunch or go to a movie.
5. Find ways to escape through books or movies. You will be surprised what a good two hour movie will do for your emotional outlook on life that week.
6. Finally, if you feel overwhelmed with life, seek out a pastor, counselor or talk to your doctor. Don't fall into the trap, that no one will understand or that you are alone.

So the bottom line: Reach out and talk to people and take time with friends to do something you enjoy. You will be surprised what a good afternoon talking about nothing can do for your week.

Also, if you figure out something specific that works for you that I haven't mentioned, talk about it here. You are our resident expert. You are living it. There are others out there that can use the inspiration too.

Thank you for all you do.

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