Coping with the Emotional Aspects of Caregiving Jeffrey W. Janata, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Psychiatry Director, Psychology Division University Hospitals Case Medical Center

Conclusions Caregiver stress is common even typical Common theme is sense of loss of control Best other-care coping strategies begin with self-care Successful coping includes careful assessment of stressors and strategic plan Do not shrink from seeking support

Common Caregiver Issues Communication challenges Overwhelmed by the responsibility Lack of cooperation Finances are stressful – theirs, mine or both Cover for mistakes

Common Caregiver Issues Lack of gratitude I shoulder the burden alone Hard to watch physical/mental decline Guilt – I should be able to do more Resentment – other family members not helping

Common Theme? Sense of loss of control

Caregiver Self-care Inventory (a good start, but ultimately inadequate) Do you get six hours of uninterrupted sleep most nights? Have you set aside a period of time alone every day? Is there someone you could/would phone if a problem arose any time day or night?

Caregiver Self-care Inventory (a good start, but ultimately inadequate) Is there someone in your circle of family or friends who would give or loan you money in case of financial hardship? Does at least one other person fully understand the day-to-day trials you experience? Do you take regular planned breaks and mini- holidays away from caregiving responsibilities?

Effects of Stress on Health Lifestyle Cardiovascular disorders The brain Immune function Well-being

Self-Monitoring Importance for increasing self-awareness Self-monitoring has a reactive effect Lays the foundation for strategic planning

Stress Definition Stress is a noun! No, a verb! No, an adjective! Theoretical disagreement: “stress” can indicate a trigger, a response or an interaction. Stress is not universally defined. BUT, stress is our response to a stressor.

Stress Management The purpose of stress management is to achieve a balance between the amount of external stress an individual experiences and his or her capacity to deal with it. - Cotton, 1990.

To Re-achieve a Lost Sense of Control Attend to your own health, wellness (the National Parkinson Foundation point) Identify the problem Address issues when they are not the issue right now Collaborate with your loved one, seek consensus Put a plan in place, give it time, persist Seek support – social, physical, spiritual Seek professional support if problems seem unsolvable

Conclusions (reprise) Caregiver stress is common even typical Common theme is sense of loss of control Best other-care coping strategies begin with self-care Successful coping includes careful assessment of stressors and strategic plan Do not shrink from seeking support