Eldercaregiver Stress
Many seniors these days are starting to struggle with eldercare issues, for a spouse or perhaps their own elderly parents. As the aged population grows, strategies to deal with those issues and the stress they bring become more acute. Some simple strategies can help in dealing with the stress.
- Accept your limitations. No one person can do it all. Ask for help from other family members if available. Your physician may be able to help you contact a social worker or "Care Manager" to help you find help.
- Don't force your own expectations on your loved one. Accept their refusal of the plans you have made. Many older adults fear loss of independence far more than illness or dying.
- Spend some time documenting the details. Maintain a file with all the financial and legal information you will need later on.
- Don't blame yourself if a crisis happens, they are often inevitable despite your best efforts. The crisis may validate your care plans, but this is not the time to say I told you so.
- Don't be afraid to cry, you need an outlet for your for your feelings. Take time for yourself.
Resources
- Check out this book for more help with your eldercare
issues.
"Fourteen Friends Guide To Eldercaring"
If you have any questions or comments on senior health nutrition, fitness, etc., go to the Senior Health Forum where we are talking about the following:
