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Do you have any suggestions for caregiver burnout?
Hi, do you guys have any suggestions about caregiver burnout. my husband’s mother moved in with us I love her dearly, but it’s almost easier to be at work and then be at home. I find that I fight up-and-down emotions and I’m worried I will burn out. Previous to her moving in my husband. I had a quiet life at home and we don’t have kids. Her health goes back-and-forth with trips of the ER in the last month. We’re all through feeling the stress. Any suggestions?
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As a caregiver for over 40 years for my brain injured daughter I have had to find a way to not be so stress. I have three areas I make sure I address properly every day...eat right, get enough sleep, and do some form of exercise even if it was 10 minutes a day. I also take time away from my daughter and let others care for her. If I don't take care of myself and get a break regularly, I am not going to be an effective caregiver. Stress is involved in care, not question, but we have control over managing that stress. Talk to your husband and alternate care while the other gets a break, reach out to neighbors who can sit with your loved one for an hour or two, others have used people in their church. Or hire a in home care agency so you can both get a break. Remember you are doing the best you can and that is what matters. Take care of each other to take care of your loved one.
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8 ReactionsWonderful advice asking people at church is a good idea
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1 ReactionWalking with your husband is a great way to do this. Get some exercise and connect 1 on 1 at the same time.
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4 ReactionsHow are you doing today, @laura42?
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1 ReactionOne day at a time. Trying to focus on trusting in God more and taking care of myself better. Thank you for asking. This group has been very helpful. Just looking at post makes me not feel so alone. I am not alone I have a lot of loved ones. But alone that people don’t understand how hard this is unless they have been there.
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6 ReactionsThere is a course for caregivers that is available online. I took it when I was a caregiver for my parents. http://www.powerfultoolsforcaregivers.org. I found it very helpful.
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4 ReactionsI found two series I am presently taking that were offered through the Arizona Caregiver Coalition. One is Finding Meaning and Hope based on the book Loving Someone Who Has Dementia. The second series is Powerful Tools for Caregivers which focuses on the caregiver wellbeing. The Arizona Caregiver Coalition has a wealth of knowledge and information of services and programs in the community. To paraphrase from the book, "hope lies in your perceptions and ability to change." That one really got me. I hope you find a way to step back from the burnout we all can get.
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3 ReactionsWelcome! I am not sure what the insurance thing is about however, I have two in homes, one in AL age 98 and the other in MC age 85.
What I know about this is that old people need to be with people their own age and they need to keep active, have activities and a sense of independence.
Being in your home alone while you work is not the best option. There a senior day care centers, church groups, Meals on Wheels Plus that has day care as well.
Burnout is very common when a caregiver has the person living with them and when that starts there is no turning back.
You might want to look at the Ageing Care forum, lots of ppl there going through the same thing as you are.
Take care of you, don't become one of those who live vicariously through their aged LO's.
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4 Reactions