CARING FOR OLDER FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

Have you ever cared for an elderly family member or friend, and felt stressed out?

Caring for an old person can be very rewarding, but it can also be very hard. It takes a lot of time, effort, and work. Most caregivers also have jobs and children, which makes taking care of an older person even more stressful.

Constant stress may cause a caregiver to feel frustrated and angry. Most abuse of older people occurs in the home, by caregivers or family members who may have reached their breaking point.

If you are caring for an older person and are feeling overwhelmed, ask yourself these questions:

• Do you feel that you’ve reached your limit?
• Are you always feeling tired or down? Are you eating or drinking too much?
• Do you feel that other family members aren’t doing enough to help?
• Have you ever worried that you might hurt the person you’re caring for?

If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you may need help. There are some things that you can do to lower the stress you feel. Try the ideas below.

• Talk with another family member or friend about your feelings and ask for help.
• Call your doctor and let your doctor know how you’re feeling.
• Try to get enough sleep and rest.
• Stay in touch with friends. This can help you feel there are others who can help.
• Find time for yourself every day, even if it is only a few minutes every day.
• Eat a healthy diet with food from each food group (meats, cheese, fruits, vegetables, and grains). Ask your doctor about taking a multivitamin.
• Call the National Eldercare Locator, a toll-free service at 1-800-677-1116. They can assist you in finding a support group to talk with other caregivers who are also taking care of old family members or friends.
• Try to get out and walk everyday, even if it is only for 10 minutes.

It’s important to remember that although you may love and care for your older family member or friend, feelings of anger, stress and frustration may occur. Please don’t wait until you are feeling out of control before you call for help.

Please call Gateway’s Special Needs Unit at 1-800-642-3550, Option 1, if you have any questions about elder abuse, or if you are a caregiver and need help.