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CARE FOR THE
CAREGIVER
Sometime during
your life it is likely you will be taking care of someone in your
family, someone who is ill, someone who needs your care. Even though
you might be willing to take on this function, you need to remember you
can’t take care of someone else without first taking care of yourself.
Caregivers have stress that might vary from case to case. This stress
needs to be acknowledged.
Indications you
are under stress: Muscle tightness, back and shoulder aches, headaches
that never go away, Inability to sleep, pains that wander from place to
place in the body, stomach, digestive, gastrointestinal problems without
real physical cause, restlessness, so that even if you get a chance to
rest and relax, you can’t, gritting or grinding your teeth, small
accidents, inability to concentrate, mood swings, flying off the handle,
weeping,
increased reliance
on alcohol, pills, tranquilizers, decreased socialization, fear of
others, can’t be bothered about others, blaming others, palpitations or
chest pains, inability to carry out normal activities of daily living,
increased forgetfulness, having a feeling of despair, being overwhelmed,
depressed, or overanxious.
What can you do
to help yourself as a caregiver? Think before you react. Don’t use
physical force. Take a walk or exercise. Take a hot bubble bath to
soothe tensions. Listen to soft music, control breathing, think of
beautiful things.
Participate in a
support group. Involve other family members, Delegate some
responsibilities.
What can you do
to help the caregiver? Ask how the caregiver is coping. Be sincere and
listen. Be understanding and compassionate. Don’t try to give advice or
fix their lives. Give the caregiver opportunities for leisure time.
Provide opportunities for play. Help keep humor in the lives of the
caregiver and receiver. Let them know that you care about them and are
praying for them.
“Casting
all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” II Peter 5:7
Bonnie
Kanady, RN
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