Dealing with Caregiver Stress Print E-mail
Caregiver stress is the sum total of the physical, emotional, financial, behavioral and workplace strain that a caregiver faces.

Whether your loved one is just beginning to experience a chronic illness, or has had a sudden hospitalization, fear or uncertainty can weigh heavily on your mind as the roles shift from child taking care of parent, or spouse caring for spouse. Caregivers also find themselves facing potential financial burdens with the cost of care not covered by insurance, and can also find the role of caregiving so demanding that they become isolated and filled with feelings of guilt for not having done enough or needing to do more.

Watch out for these warning signs of stress:
  • Anger at elder, family, doctors, services 
  • Withdrawal/feeling overwhelmed 
  • Headaches
  • Changes in weight or appetite
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Anger
  • Sadness
  • Crying spells
  • Short-tempered

If you are experiencing stress consider these tips:
  • Ask for help. Be specific in your request. For example: Could you visit with Dad for an hour so that I can go to the grocery store?”
  • Express your feelings. People who express their feelings to a friend or loved one, or even spend time journaling, experience fewer negative effects from stress.
  • Let your employer know of your situation. See if there are ways to work together such as flex time, or Family Medical Leave Act options. (See the Balancing Work and Caregiving page.)
  • Set realistic goals
  • Know your limits
  • Cultivate a positive attitude
  • Re-examine all of the caregiving services you provide and see if there is anyone else who can help you, or if there are things that your loved one can do himself or herself.
  • Take time for yourself.
  • Join a support group.
  • Consider respite care to give yourself a much needed break. Respite care can be Adult Day Care or individual care provided formally by an organization, private duty care or community volunteers.
  • Keep socially involved. Fight the tendency to withdraw from the people and activities that you enjoy.
  • If you belong to a faith community, it is also worthwhile to check within to see what is offered to members. Assistance, including volunteer friendly visiting, may be available on either a sustained or temporary basis.
  • Take one day at a time.


Resources for finding out more about caregiving in your community:

  • Click on Aging.com. This website was built for you to help you find the resources you need in Southeast Michigan.

  • Area Agencies on Aging in Southeast Michigan

  • The ElderCare Locator at www.ElderCare.gov. This is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. The Eldercare Locator is the first step to finding resources for older adults in any U.S. community. Just one phone call or Web site visit instantly connects you to the local Area Agency on Aging that serves your area.

  • National Family Caregivers Association (www.nfcacares.org)