before the stormCaregiving is one of the toughest jobs you'll ever have. Many are called to perform these duties -- but few people want to do them. No one wants to see a loved one slip away physically and/or mentally. Certainly the loved one does not want to be put into the situation. I know, I've been there as a caregiver. And it's not easy. But what can happen to the caregiver is like the storm on the horizon -- a tremendous potential for danger and long-lasting effects.
I wish I'd had this list when we started caring for my Dad. He's been gone now for almost two years, but the feelings can linger long after the whole episode is finished. This list and the links below are very helpful in understanding just how tough caregiving can be. [You'll find these in nearly every top ten caregiver stress list, though they may be in different order.]
Ten Signs of Caregiver Stress
1. Denial -- about the disease and it's effects on the person who's been diagnosed. "I know Mom's going to get better."
2. Anger -- at the person with Alzheimer's or any other disease that no effective treatments or cures currently exist and that people don't understand what's going on. "If he asks me that question one more time, I'll scream!"
3. Social Withdrawal -- from friends and activities that once brought pleasure. "I don't care about getting together with the neighbors anymore."
4. Anxiety -- about facing another day and what the future holds. "What happens when he needs more care than I can provide?"
5. Depression -- begins to affect the ability to cope. "I don't care anymore."
6. Exhaustion -- makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks. "I'm too tired for this."
7. Sleeplessness -- caused by a never-ending list of concerns. "What if she wanders out of the house or falls and hurts herself?"
8. Irritability -- leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and reactions. "Leave me alone!"
9. Lack of Concentration -- makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks. "I was so busy, I forgot we had an appointment."
10. Health Problems -- begin to take their toll, both mentally and physically. "I can't remember the last time I felt good."
Pass this on to a caregiver you know!
And best of everything to all the caregivers and their loved ones during this extremely stressful time.
For more information: complete overview, Alzheimer's Association, Care@Home, Family Doctor online, Psychological therapy.
Thank you for visiting today!
4 comments:
That was so helpful, thank you.
Fly!! Thank you for your comment. I pray you never have to go through this, but if you do, please be aware of the tremendous effect it will have on you. Don't be afraid to seek outside help. We finally did for the last three months when we placed him in a nursing facility. Though we visited him everyday, we knew he would have excellent nursing care while we were elsewhere. It's just a terrible experience for everyone involved. :(
It is not so bad..long term, but Mr. Fly can go down so fast into paralysis and a one in three chance of death.
When he is released to the house he needs 24 hour attendance. For months.
Our experience with French health care has varied from the superb to the
'I have to sue the hospital'
who nearly managed to kill him despite his having been treated there for eight years before!
My local friends number less and less..age, illness, death...but without them and their support I would be at my wits' end.
You know exactly what I am talking about and I appreciate your input.
Fly dear -- I am sorry to learn of Mr. Fly's condition!! I do hope his episodes are few and far between!! Thank God he's got you to help him through the spotty care he might receive in the hospitals. [I think the quality of health care varies everywhere -- and the rotten thing is you usually have no way of knowing before you sign the papers and they whisk him away for treatment. I hope the "I'm going to sue" episodes are few!]
Do you manage his convalescence or have a rotating nursing staff or does the health care system provide assistance with a community nurse or someone to pop in and check on his progress daily? In all these scenarios, it is good to have backup -- not only skilled nursing for Mr. Fly but someone to give you some quiet time away.
And yes, thank goodness for friends who can pop in to help out around the house or run errands for you. Both you & Mr. Fly need to keep your spirits up while he is recovering. Friends bringing food and their time for a project will make everyone happy.
I do hope all is currently well at the Fly Residence!!
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