• Lack of energy and/or overwhelming fatigue
• Sleep problems (too much or too little)
• Changes in eating habits; weight loss or gain
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

If you (or someone you know) is a family caregiver experiencing any of these concerns, there are steps you can take to manage.

Priority number 1: seek support. There are a variety of groups with helpful tools and resources readily available. Some well-known support networks include:

• Family Caregiver Alliance
• National Caregiving Foundation
• National Family Caregivers Association

Sometimes, the act of seeking help and speaking honestly about family caregiver stress can alleviate burnout. A formalized approach may include exercise, mediation, deep breathing, and healthy eating, all of which decrease stress-induced physical illness. If feasible, consider employing the services of a professional home health care company to relieve family caregiver burden. A trusted home health aid, for example, can take over caregiver duties during scheduled intervals to provide a well-deserved respite for the family. Our respite care in New York has been providing the families the rest and peace of mind they need every time they have to leave a loved one in the hands of our experienced and trusted staff.

Caregiving is a beautiful expression of love, but the fact of the matter is we can never prioritize the care of a loved one over the physical and mental health of the caregiver.

At Alliance Homecare, we are invested in helping the families of our clients cope with the challenges of providing family care. Understanding the implications of family caregiver stress helps start the conversation early. Contact us at (877) 687-7380 to speak with our expert Care Managers today and keep an eye out for additional caregiver tips provided by our trusted partner, Dr. Sandy Krohn, Executive Director of City Psychology.

References: 1. A meta-analytic investigation of the relationship between the psychological distress of cancer patients and their careers. Hodges LJ, Humphris GM, Macfarlane G Soc Sci Med. 2005 Jan; 60(1):1-12.