Find Out If You Are Showing Signs of Caregiver Stress

By Jamie Shapiro | December 26, 2014 | Comments Off on Find Out If You Are Showing Signs of Caregiver Stress

5 Signs You May be Overwhelmed as a Caregiver near Des Plaines, IL

Stress may very well be a part of everyday living, but it doesn’t have to control your life. That’s true whether you are working for a major company or you’re a caregiver working with an elderly individual.

The first and arguably most important aspect of taking care of yourself as a caregiver is recognizing the potential signs of stress before they become a major problem. Here are 5 signs that you may very well be overwhelmed already as a caregiver, even if you didn’t realize it until this point in time.

  1. You’re doing everything by yourself because, well … you have to.

This is a common refrain that people have when caring for a loved one especially. They might assume it’s their responsibility and no one else can help. They may believe they know what’s best, but in truth, while they certainly may know the best things for the elderly individual, that doesn’t mean they have to do everything alone.

If that sounds like you, odds are you’re going to feel overwhelmed before long.

  1. You’ve been spending less time with your own family and friends.

This is a common by-product of taking care of an elderly individual. You may have numerous responsibilities in life and that leads you to spend less and less time with the people who are important in it: friends and family. As a result, you may be overwhelmed with the things you need to get done.

  1. You’re constantly worried that the person in your care is in danger.

Keeping elderly individuals safe is one of the most important aspects of providing home care for them, but if you are constantly worrying about them, calling to check on them, thinking they might have fallen and can’t get up, then you’re leaving very little time for other important aspects of your life.

  1. The relationship you had or built with the elderly individual is eroding.

You might be caring for your father or other family member, and you used to have a good working relationship with the patient, but you notice that’s gone, too. This could very well be a sign that you’re under a tremendous amount of stress and are not focused on what they want or need.

  1. You’re getting sick more frequently.

If you’re the type of person who doesn’t normally get sick but now you’re constantly feeling rundown or under the weather, it’s likely the result of being overwhelmed with stress.

Being a caregiver can be stressful, so be sure that you take time to place your own health and well-being as a priority.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring caregiving services in Des Plaines, IL, -contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our senior care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.

Jamie Shapiro
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