Tips for Dealing with Caregiver Stress

Forty-five percent of caregivers caring for a spouse or parent report experiencing stress as part of their duties. Therefore, you aren’t alone if caregiving is taking its toll on your well-being. 

Fortunately, caregiver stress is manageable with the right advice. Once you know what works (and what doesn’t), you’re better positioned to provide your loved one with the care they need. 

Use Resources

Providing care to a relative or spouse unaided can feel lonely but plenty of help is available. You can obtain assistance via: 

• Community resource finders
• Local dementia and Alzheimer’s associations
• Care agencies
• Local hospitals and medical teams

Don’t avoid using these services. You’re not alone. There are always professionals ready to help. 

Set Aside Time For You

Another tip for dealing with caregiver stress is to set aside time for you (instead of constantly worrying about your loved one). Doing new things (alone or with friends) can help you manage tension better. 

Top activities include: 

• Going out for a walk or run
• Taking some time out mentally by watching TV or reading a book
• Going out with friends for an evening while arranging respite care
• Enjoying community activities

Play with different options until you find something that works for you. 

Use In-Home Care

You can also get respite home care assistance to help manage your loved one and keep the home tidy. Carers can deal with the more challenging aspects of supporting them, including managing their mobility and medical needs on your behalf. 

Respite support workers also enable you to take longer periods off. For example, they can fill in for you if you want to go on a week-long European vacation or cruise. 

Keep Eating Well

Eating well is another lifestyle change that can reduce caregiver stress. Some foods, like nuts and greens, decrease brain inflammation and improve mood. 

Set Achievable Goals

You can even manage caregiver stress by setting achievable goals. Breaking everything into smaller chunks makes it feel less overwhelming. Start by following a daily routine. Then, see what else you can fit in and achieve. If necessary, refuse additional commitments. Don’t have people over to stay if you think it will be too much of a burden.

Try Relaxation Techniques

Finally, you could use various relaxation techniques. These can calm the mind and help you regain your center. Examples include: 

• Deep breathing exercise (breathing deep into the stomach and not high into the chest)
• Meditation (guided or unguided, religious or not)
• Visualizations (helping you enter a calm or serene location that resets your mind)
• Muscle relaxation (relaxing the muscles in your body from the toes to the top of the head)

Professional In-Home Caregivers Can Help

Contact us to request a free, no-obligation consultation with a licensed nurse in the comfort of your home. Our nurse will provide feedback, options, and recommendations as part of the in-home assessment.