Anyone that is the primary caregiver for a loved one with a chronic illness, such as dementia/Alzheimer's, takes on a role that can become both physically and psychologically debilitating. "Caregiver role strain" is a term used by medical personnel to describe the symptoms and signs associated with caregiving. It's defined as a situation when caregivers find it hard to perform their roles or feel stressed by situations that include:
-
financial burdens
-
increased responsibilities
-
changes in the family life
-
personal role changes
-
care receiver's behavior and attitude
-
required adjustment in work/career
Signs and Symptoms of Caregiver Role Strain
It's normal for caregivers to feel overwhelmed or experience other negative emotions and symptoms. But it's very important not to ignore these signs, as doing so can lead to serious caregiver illness. Caregiver role strain symptoms can be grouped into four main areas:
Physical: Unplanned weight changes, heartburn, constant fatigue, changing sleep habits, muscle aches, getting sick more often, stooped posture, neck pain, sweaty palms.
Emotional: Anger, sadness, crying spells, frequent mood swings, irritability, feeling worthless or guilty, thoughts of death or suicide, inability to concentrate, looking for magic solutions, denial about care receiver's health status and prognosis.
Behavioral: Social withdrawal, loss of interest in hobbies, increased use of drugs or alcohol, avoiding decision-making, low job productivity, forgetfulness.
Relationships: Problems with marriage or children, intolerance of others, loss of interest in sex, loneliness, resentment, self-isolation from friends.
How to overcome caregiver role strain
While the above signs may seem like something no one could defeat, in fact there are a variety of positive steps that caregivers can take to alleviate the stress and strain of their responsibilities.
-
Don't ignore your own needs. Accept and acknowledge that taking care of someone with dementia/Alzheimer's is a heavy responsibility which requires lots of energy, and accept that you have needs and limits to what you can do some days.
-
Exercise, get enough sleep, and eat proper food. Pay attention to your own health and allow for "you time".
-
Ask for support from family, friends or community resources. Don't try to play Superman, you'll burn out really fast and be no good to the person for whom you're caring. Find someone, or a support group, with whom you can share your feelings, frustrations and anxieties.
-
Feel good about your role. Look at the positive side of what you, as caregiver, are doing and take pride in the fact that you are there for your loved one.
-
Accept that there are events you cannot control. A chronic and progressive disease can result in sudden health changes from one day to the next, so it's important for the caregiver to accept that events outside of your control will occur. The caregiver of a loved one with dementia/Alzheimer's needs to become educated about the disease prognosis and accept that their beloved wife or husband will not recover from this disease and go back to the way he or she used to be.
-
Embrace forgiveness and humor. Learn to forgive yourself when you need a break or feel overwhelmed; forgive the care receiver who is unable to relieve you from your new role as caregiver; and embrace humor as a positive coping tool.
There are many resources out there to tap into for caregivers who need help; the Alzheimer's Association is a good place to start. What questions can we answer about caregiver role strain?
