CAREGIVER STRESS – TAKING CARE OF THE CAREGIVER

The definition of a caregiver is one that provides help to another person in need. In the Parkinson’s world, this is typically an adult - often a parent or a spouse – Most caregivers are family members. Others are paid. Some of the many things a caregiver does:

• Shop for food and cook
• Clean the house
• Pay bills
• Drive the person to doctor appointments
• Give medicine at managed times
• Help the person go to the toilet, bathe and dress
• Help the person eat
• Provide company and emotional support
• Entertain

Caregiving is hard, and caregivers of people with Parkinson’s often feel stress. They are "on call" 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you're caring for someone with mental problems in addition to their slowness of movement and other Parkinson’s symptoms it can be especially difficult. Not all stress is bad. All animals have a stress response, and it can be life-saving. Understand that chronic stress, which can include caregiving for someone chronically ill, can cause both physical and mental harm.

Typically, there are three different types of stress. Routine stress which often refers to pressures at work, with the family, and/or with other daily responsibilities Then there is stress brought about by a sudden negative change, such as losing a job, as caregiver experiencing the progression to another stage in your charge’s chronic illness, divorce, or personal illness And lastly, traumatic stress, which happens when you are in danger of being seriously hurt or killed or you witness someone being seriously hurt or killed. Stress is very individual and different people feel stress in different ways. Some people experience digestive symptoms.

Others may have headaches, sleeplessness, depressed mood, anger, and irritability. People under chronic stress get more frequent and severe viral infections, such as the flu or common cold. Vaccines, such as the flu shot, are less effective for them. Some people cope with stress more effectively than others. It's important to know your limits when it comes to stress, so you can avoid serious health effects. As a caregiver, taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you can do.

We’re sure you’ve heard that finding some time, better put, MAKING TIME for regular exercise can be very important to your overall physical and mental well-being. Adding Physical Activity Can Help: Increase your energy level helping you keep up with your daily caregiving activities. Improve your mood and overall well-being while reducing feelings of depression and stress. Improve physical strength and fitness. Manage and prevent chronic diseases and conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Improve cognitive function including your ability to shift quickly between tasks and plan activities.

How Can A Caregiver Become More Physically Active?

Take exercise breaks throughout the day. Try three 10-minute “mini-workouts” instead of 30 minutes all at once. MAKE TIME. Make an appointment with yourself to exercise. Set aside specific times and days of the week for physical activity. Exercise with a friend and get the added benefit of emotional support. Ask for help at home so you can exercise. If possible, find ways to be active with the person you’re caring for. Both of you can benefit from physical activity!

Quick Tip: Pick an activity you really enjoy to make exercise something you want to do, not have to do.

VISIT www.nia.nih.gov/Go4Life and read more tips for adding physical activity to your day. Print useful tools. Order a free exercise guide or DVD.