Elderly Care Giver

Home Care for Seniors - Help for family caregivers

Since people live longer, caregivers now finally in position to do more in more demanding circumstances, for periods longer, with less assistance. If they feel they had little choice but to assume the responsibilities, the chances are that they experience more stress, distress and resentment.

Caregivers who provide care 36 hours or more per week are much more likely than non-caregivers to experience symptoms of depression or anxiety. For spouses the rate is six times higher for those caring for a parent, the rate is twice as high.

The strain of caregiving family has been shown to impact a person's immune mechanism for at least three years after their caregiving ends thus increasing their chances of developing a prolonged illness' themselves.

What can caregivers do to avoid some of these negative effects of caregiving?

Take care of yourself.

This is the most important thing you can do. It is not selfish - it is essential. Research shows strong combination of the loss, extended stress, physical demands of caregiving, and competing demands on the bonds of time and place the caregiver at risk for serious health problems and a death earlier. If you can not help you, you can not help everybody, and everybody loses.

GET HELP.

Help can come from community resources, family, friends and professionals. Ask them. Do not wait until you are overwhelmed and exhausted or your health fails. Reaching out for help when you need it is a sign of strength private. Many do not know how to ask for help. You do not want others to'burden "or admit that you can not manage everything by yourself. You do not do anything, or anyone else. Help them to be useful, help yourself and help your friends by building your support.

For more tips and home care for seniors, advice, see the articles and resources http://careforyou.us.