Managing the Stress of Caregiving

Take care of the caregivers’ health

• Enough rest, sleep, exercise, and nutrition• Regular medical checkups• Symptoms of depression (extreme sadness,

trouble concentrating, apathy, hopelessness, thoughts about death) addressed

Involve others

• Make a list of jobs that need help

• These could include household chores, home repair or maintenance, driving, paying bills, finding information on services you need.

Maintain social contacts

• Isolation increases stress

• Fun, laughter, and focus on something other than the problem help keep emotional balance

Get help from community services and organizations

• Get assistance– hiring people to help with chores, errands, or

childcare to free up some of caregiver’s time– family, friends, members of religious

organizations, and people in community groups are often willing to assist

Talk about it• Keeping feelings bottled

up can harm the immune system and lead to illness

• Encourage to talk with friends and family

• Share experiences with co-workers in similar

Talk about it• See a professional counselor• Join caregiver support group – To share emotions and experiences– Seek and give advice– Exchange practical information