Why Is Stress Bad for Family Caregivers?

Life is full of stress, but family caregivers can attest that caring for family members brings a whole new level of stress. The problem that they often face is that there’s just too much going on most of the time for them to figure out how to cope with stress. Ignoring that problem leads to bigger problems, like burnout and serious health issues. Taking advantage of respite care is an important step for family caregivers and can help them to reduce their stress levels significantly.

Stress and Family Caregivers

Family caregivers have a lot of responsibilities to manage. They often don’t have a lot of help, either, which makes everything that much more difficult. Over time, as seniors need more and more help, the stress family caregivers live with grows exponentially. Having help from home care providers can give family caregivers valuable assistance that lets them focus on other needs.

Stress Is a Natural Part of Life

Nobody can get rid of all of the stress of life, unfortunately. Stress is a normal and natural part of life, but when it becomes too much to manage alone, that’s a problem. When family caregivers pay attention to their stress levels and how well they’re managing their stress, they’re less likely to have some of the negative impacts that can come from dealing with consistently stressful situations.

Prolonged Stress Has Consequences

Extended periods of stress wears down the brain and the body, which can leave family caregivers open to developing their own health issues. This is something that they can’t really afford to have happen, especially when they’re worried about the health issues their loved ones experience. Higher blood pressure, immune system trouble, and heart disease are all possible impacts of stress levels that are too high for too long.

Stress Affects the Brain and Mental Health

Stress also affects cognitive health, which is a big problem for family caregivers. There are so many aspects of caregiving that require family caregivers to be on the top of their games. Reduced cognitive health makes it more difficult to solve problems and take care of everything that has to be managed. Reducing stress levels and taking a break from caregiving reduces the risk of depression, alleviates anxiety, and creates space for family caregivers to take care of their other needs.

Respite Can Reduce Caregiver Stress

Respite time is the perfect answer for caregiver stress, but so many family caregivers aren’t aware that this solution exists. Respite involves professional caregivers stepping in for a short period of time so that family caregivers can take time away. Respite care can happen on a set schedule or whenever family caregivers start to feel overwhelmed or in need of a break. It’s about what works for each situation.

Making time for respite sometimes feels impossible for family caregivers. With time, though, and building trust with respite care providers, family caregivers can start to understand just how much time away can help them to get stress under control and greatly improve their experience with caregiving.

If you or an aging loved one are considering respite care in Larchmont, NY, please contact the caring staff at Griswold Care Pairing for Scarsdale & Yonkers today. (914) 337-5028.