Caregivers Must Remember to Care for Themselves, Too
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-11-17 11:47:17.025478-05:00
More than a third of caregivers experience stress. An estimated 20% of caregivers suffer from depression—that's twice the rate of the general population.
"You have to take care of yourself to take care of others," said aging expert Elinor Ginzler, director of livable communities for AARP. "Caregivers can improve their outlook and their own health by taking time to exercise, eating healthier foods, sleeping until rested, making time for relaxation — and with laughter. There is a lot of good medicine in laughter."
Ginzler is the co-author of Caring for Your Parents — The Complete AARP Guide. This fall Ginzler's presentation "Caring for Loved Ones Without Losing Yourself" attracted about 500 people during the North Dakota Governor's Forums on Aging in Dickinson, Rugby, Valley City and Bismarck.
"I have attended many caregiving conferences and this is a wake-up call," said Hank Weber, a caregiver from Wahpeton "I have to take better care of myself."
Caregiver Stress Test
Answer "seldom true," "sometimes true," "usually true," or "often true" to each of these statements:
- I find I can ' t get enough rest.
- I don ' t have enough time for myself.
- I don ' t have time to be with other family members besides the person I care for.
- I feel guilty about my situation.
- I don ' t get out much anymore.
- I ' m not getting along with the person I care for.
- I have conflicts with other family members.
- I cry every day.
- I worry about having enough money to make ends meet.
- I don ' t feel I have enough knowledge or experience to give care as well as I ' d like.
- My own health is not good.
If you answered "usually true" or "often true" to more than one of these, you are stressed. The North Dakota Family Caregiver Support Program offers help to caregivers.
For information about local services and supports, call 1-800-451-8693 or visit your regional Human Service Center.
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