Recognizing and Dealing with Caregiver Stress

Being a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with significant challenges. Often, caregivers focus so intently on their loved ones that they fail to recognize their own stress levels. Understanding the symptoms of caregiver stress and knowing how to manage them is crucial for maintaining both your well-being and your ability to care effectively for your loved one.

What Is Caregiver Stress?

Caregiver stress is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that may be accompanied by a change in attitude – from positive and caring to negative and apathetic.

Studies show that family caregivers of those with dementia may provide three times as many total hours of care as those caring for someone without dementia. This intense focus on another’s needs often leads caregivers to ignore their personal and emotional well-being. About 40 to 70% of caregivers experience symptoms of depression.

What Are the Risk Factors for Caregiver Stress?

Several factors can increase the risk of caregiver stress for those who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of memory impairment. Those risk factors include:

• Being female
• Living with the person you are caring for
• Social isolation
• Currently experiencing depression
• Financial difficulties
• Higher number of hours spent caregiving
• Lack of coping skills
• Lack of choice in being a caregiver

What Are the Causes of Caregiver Stress?

Caregiver stress can stem from multiple sources:

• Role confusion: It can be difficult to separate the role of caregiver from the role of spouse, parent, friend, etc. Oftentimes, caregivers may blur the lines between their personal life and caregiving responsibilities, leading to a strain on the relationship.
• Unrealistic expectations: Many caregivers expect their involvement to have a positive effect on the health and happiness of their loved ones. When a loved one has dementia, however, they will most likely be unable to express appreciation for the care they are receiving or resist efforts altogether.
• Lack of control or resources: Frustration can result from the lack of resources to help and/or skills to effectively plan, manage, and organize a loved one’s care. This can lead a caregiver to feel helpless or powerless to control the situation.
• Unreasonable demands: Caregivers tend to place unreasonable burdens upon themselves, seeing care as their exclusive responsibility. They may put too much pressure on themselves to be able to handle all the duties of caregiving alone.
• Neglect of your own needs: While providing care for a loved one leads to feelings of compassion, love and pride, it can easily also lead to negative emotions such as sadness, frustration or guilt. With a heightened focus on a loved one, the caregiver often is vulnerable to neglecting their own health and wellness.

How To Recognize the Signs of Caregiver Stress

Recognizing the signs of caregiver stress is the first step in managing it. Common symptoms include:

• Increased anxiety or emotional strain
• Feelings of depression
• Getting upset or angry more quickly than usual
• Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
• Difficulty concentrating, even on simple tasks
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Altered sleeping patterns and frequent tiredness
• Frequent illnesses
• Headaches or other physical problems
• Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Denial about the severity of your loved one’s disease

Dealing with Caregiver Stress

Addressing stress when caring for a loved one with memory loss involves proactive steps to ensure your well-being. First, recognize warning signs early and take even small signs of distress seriously. Remember that self-care and finding ways to cope with caregiver burdens is not selfish – it is crucial. Ultimately, taking care of yourself allows you to provide the best care possible to your loved one.

Set aside time each day for yourself. Even if it’s just 20 to 30 minutes, use this time to go for a walk, read a book, listen to music, soak in a hot bath, or get a massage. Practicing stress relief techniques, such as using essential oils, aromatherapy, or positive visualization, can also be beneficial.

Create an uplifting mantra to help you through challenges. Think about positive statements that you can use to encourage yourself throughout the day or week, such as “I am a compassionate caregiver. I can do this.” Writing down your thoughts in a journal can offer reflection and a new perspective, helping you focus on aspects of caregiving that you can control.

Prioritize your own health as well. Eat nutritious meals, exercise when possible, and keep up with medical appointments. Learning about your loved one’s condition can help you manage the present and plan for the future. Understanding what to expect will prepare you for the challenges ahead.

Set realistic goals to set yourself up for success. Decide what you can and cannot do as a caregiver and prioritize your tasks. It’s okay to recognize when a particular task may be too much for you to handle alone.

Ask for and accept help. Connect with family, friends, and other loved ones for support. Make a list of small tasks others can help with, such as running errands or picking up medications. Reaching out for help or delegating tasks will not only lighten your load but also provide emotional support.

Caregiver Resources

Many resources are available to support caregivers:

• Caregiver Support Groups: Regain inner strength, share experiences, and learn from others.
• Home Delivered Meals: Consider services like Meals on Wheels to help ease your load.
• Home Health & Homemaker Services: Professional aides can provide in-home personal care services to give you a small reprieve each day or to help with particular tasks.

Recommended books for caregivers:

• Surviving Alzheimer’s: Practical Tips and Soul-Saving Wisdom for Caregivers by Paula Spencer Scott
• The 36-Hour Day by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins
• Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s by Joanne Koenig Coste
• Creating Moments of Joy Along the Alzheimer’s Journey by Jolene Brackey
• Thoughtful Dementia Care by Jennifer Ghent-Fuller
• Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias by Amy Newmark

How Bridges by EPOCH Supports Caregivers

At Bridges by EPOCH, we understand the profound impact caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can have on your life. We offer various resources to support caregivers, including monthly in-person and Zoom support groups designed to help you regain inner strength, share experiences, and learn from others. We also offer educational sessions to provide valuable information and insights into memory loss.

Here are some testimonials from caregivers who have benefited from our support groups:

“The classes that I have signed up for have been immensely informative, and I always share with my sister what I have learned, which helps ease the confusion and worry we both are experiencing. With your kindness and compassion, I feel less anxious.” – Karen

“The support groups and educational sessions are a godsend. Truly, it makes you feel very much less alone, and I’ve gotten some really good tips.” – Jenabeth

“I look back at the time spent attending the sessions at Bridges and the knowledge you shared (along with your smiling optimism) to bolster us on our journeys. I never would have thought I would gain so much.” – Anonymous

We support residents and their family members and understand that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your loved one. Find your local Bridges community to learn more about our caregiver support groups and hear from other caregivers sharing their experiences.