You At Your Best

BY SARAH HANEY NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE Caregivers are family members or paid helpers who regularly look after a child or a sick, elderly, or disabled person. They account for 16.6 percent of the United States population, or 39.8 million Americans. Among them, caregiver burnout is a common occurrence. Caregiver burnout is defined as a state of physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion that can sometimes be accompanied by a fluctuating attitude. If a caregiver is experiencing burnout, they can go from being positive and caring to negative and unconcerned. They may experience a range of mental health problems including fatigue, stress, anxiety, and depression. If a caregiver is struggling with burnout, it can result in the person they are looking after to not receive the proper care. At some point in a son or daughter's life, the role of caregiver may shift. Where parents once took care of their children, aging parents very frequently rely on their children to care for them. Adult caregivers typically want to do right by their aging loved ones but sometimes find that the demands of medical and emotional support can dominate their lives — so much so that their own children and other household responsibilities are neglected. It is natural to feel sad, alone, frustrated, and even angry when serving as a caregiver to an elderly parent. However, it's also important to recognize the signs that the burden has become too much and to look for ways to lighten the workload. To remain as healthy as possible, caregivers should take steps to recognize symptoms of caregiver stress and avoid burnout. Here are some signs to keep in mind: • Feelings of being overwhelmed • Feeling alone or deserted by others • Social withdrawal from friends or activities that used to make you feel good • Exhaustion that makes it challenging to complete necessary tasks • Sleeplessness or sleeping more than normal • Lack of concentration that impacts daily tasks Learning how to cope with caregiver burnout • Overreaction to minor nuisances • Cutting back on leisure activities • Neglecting things at home or other people who are well • An immune system that is run down, leading to constant illness Anyone can get caregiver stress, but the National Alliance for Caregiving says women are more susceptible than men. Those who are responsible for helping someone with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or a debilitating illness are also at a high risk of developing their own medical issues. These responsibilities can affect the quality of caregivers' sleep and impede their ability to relax and unwind. Finding relief from caregiver stress can involve a few different strategies. Don't hesitate to ask for help. If other family members or siblings are unable to pitch in, look into the possibility of hired aides. These professionals can be excellent and trained sources of support who assist with activities of daily living, remind patients to take their medications and assist in coordinating medical checkups. Smart homes have enabled remote control of many household systems, making it possible to monitor thermostat temperature, water leaks or floods, appliance and light usage, and much more. Video and sound surveillance can offer peace of mind to those who cannot be with their loved ones constantly. Many rehabilitation and nursing facilities offer short-term respite care for loved ones so that caregivers can take the time to go on vacation or enjoy a day or two without having to check in on an elderly parent. Facilities generally have 24- hour staff to monitor residents, provide meals and provide entertainment. The change of pace can also be stimulating to the senior, and respite care can be a gradual introduction to long-term care. Seniors may be eligible for low- or no-cost services like visiting nurses, meal delivery and adult day programs. This network of support can further alleviate caregiver stress. Work with a licensed therapist to find other coping strategies for dealing with the mounting pressure of being a caregiver. Being a caregiver is a rewarding, but demanding responsibility. Utilizing all possible resources can make the job easier. Investing time in other things that provide meaning and purpose can help caregivers find balance. Also, focusing on the things that can be controlled and small victories can make a difference. SATURDAY, MAY 26, 2018 | JUNE - MENTAL HEALTH NWADG.COM/YOUATYOURBEST | YOU AT YOUR BEST | 17

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