1. Coping With Elder Caregiving A Carebridge Seminar

2.  Introduction  What is Caregiving?  What Should Caregivers Know About Stress?  Symptoms and Causes of Caregiver’s Stress  Strategies for Stress Management  What Resources are Available?  Questions / Discussion Coping with Elder Caregiving

3.  May be a spouse, son, daughter, neighbor, close friend, or distant relative  Provides care out of love, a sense of obligation, or both A Caregiver...

4. Is a person who is concerned about providing physical, emotional, or financial assistance to an older person A Caregiver...

5.  Makes concessions and personal sacrifices to provide care for another person  May have competing responsibilities for children, spouse, and job A Caregiver...

6.  Often interrupts or postpones personal goals because of caregiving responsibilities  May experience a wide range of emotions and feelings regarding the caregiving situation A Caregiver...

7.  A reaction to a situation that requires a person to respond or adjust What is Stress?

8.  The release of cortisol – “stress hormone”  A physical reaction – blood pressure rises, heart rate increases  A signal to the body to be “on alert’ What is Stress?

9.  Some stress is beneficial  Prolonged stress can impact on health

10.  Emotional or physical exhaustion  Physical problems  Sleep disturbances  Appetite changes  Marital/family problems  Conflict among life roles: spouse, employee, parent, caregiver  Alcohol or drug misuse  Depression  Neglect or abuse of older person Symptoms of Prolonged Stress

11.  Avoidance  Helplessness  Resistance Unhealthy Reactions Reactions to Stress

12.  Rigidity  Depression  Anxiety  Immobility Unhealthy Reactions Reactions to Stress

13.  Flexibility  Taking Action  Surviving Healthy Reactions Reactions to Stress

14.  Viewing as a challenge  Acceptance Healthy Reactions Reactions to Stress  Adaptability  Resourcefulness

15.  Identify your sources of stress  Set realistic goals and expectations  Establish your limits  Ask for and accept help  Take care of yourself  Involve other people Strategies for Preventing Caregiver Burnout

16.  Know which stresses you can do something about and which ones are beyond your control  Change your reaction to things beyond your control STRATEGY 1: Identify Your Sources of Stress

17.  Know your individual situation  Try to balance what you think you “should” do to what you can realistically do STRATEGY 2: Set Realistic Goals and Expectations

18.  Try to be objective when you assess your situation rather then be influenced by your emotions  Set short-term goals that are specific and can be achieved STRATEGY 2: Set Realistic Goals and Expectations

19.  Learn how to say “no”  Communicate to family members and your ill relative about what your limits are STRATEGY 3: Establish Your Limits

20.  Reach out for assistance, this is a sign of strength  Be specific about your needs  Be positive and flexible STRATEGY 4: Ask For and Accept Help

21.  Express your feelings  Maintain your health  Take time for yourself  Learn stress-coping mechanisms STRATEGY 5: Take Care of Yourself

22.  Hold a family conference  Involve professional help, if needed  Utilize community resources STRATEGY 6: Involve Other People

23.  Senior Centers  Transportation Services  Home Health Aides  Home-Delivered Meals  Personal Emergency Response Systems  Adult Day Care Centers  Assisted Living Facilities  Nursing Homes Community Resources STRATEGY 6: Involve Other People

24. 1-800-437-0911 www.myliferesource.com Carebridge Can Help Confidential Services