INDUSTRY INSIGHT
SENIOR LIVING
SPONSORED CONTENT
Caregiver
Stress
T
here are over 47 million family caregivers in the United
States, and caring for an elderly parent or ill loved one
can result in a great deal of stress. Caregivers who
experience caregiving-related stress have a 63% higher
mortality rate than non-caregivers of the same age. There are
several reasons why stress occurs; such as working too much, not
sleeping enough, having to deal with not having enough hours in
the day. Some common signs of Caregiver Stress include:
DEPRESSION. Symptoms include constant sadness, feelings of
hopelessness and increased crying. You may not wish to see family
and friends and may stop taking part in things you used to enjoy.
Remember you can’t care for your loved one if you are ill yourself.
So, take the time to recognize the signs, and find ways to deal with
your Caregiver stress.
Are you caring for a loved one? Gain education and support on
a variety of health and caregiver related topics with Juniper Village
at Forest Hills Monthly Caregiver Support Group meetings. The
meetings are held the second Saturday of the month at 10:30 am
at Juniper Village at Forest Hills. For more information or to RSVP to
attend, contact Juniper Village at 412.244.9901. The sessions are
free and everyone is welcome to attend!
ANGER. You may start yelling at your loved one, or have difficulty
controlling your temper with other people. Caregivers often
become angry at their loved one because they are sacrificing their
own lives to care for them. Feeling angry at family members for not
helping is also common.
INSOMNIA AND EXHAUSTION. You may feel tired, but cannot
sleep. You also may wake up with nightmares and stressful dreams.
If you frequently wake up feeling you can’t get out of bed despite a
good night’s sleep, you’re in distress.
If you are experiencing caregiver stress, here are some tips to
help you prevent or manage your stress:
LEARN WAYS TO BETTER HELP YOUR LOVED ONE. Some
hospitals offer classes that can teach you how to care for someone
with an injury or illness. To find these classes, ask your doctor or call
your local Area Agency on Aging.
FIND CAREGIVING RESOURCES IN YOUR COMMUNITY. Many
communities have adult daycare services or respite services to give
primary caregivers a break from their caregiving duties.
ASK FOR AND ACCEPT HELP. Make a list of ways others can
help…and don’t be afraid to ask relatives, friends and neighbors for
the help.
JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP FOR CAREGIVERS. Support groups
can provide a wealth of information. Plus, you can share stories,
pick up caregiving tips, and get support from others who face the
same challenges as you.
STAY IN TOUCH WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. Make time to do
things you enjoy…and keep in touch with your loved ones.
JUNIPER VILLAGE AT FOREST HILLS
EXCEPTIONAL INDIVIDUALIZED CARE AND SERVICE
Senior Living, Personal Care
and Memory Care
• Spacious Studios, Suites and One-Bedroom
Apartments Available
• Variety of Options to Suit Everyone’s Budget
• On-Site Nursing Staff and 24 Hour Assistance with
Daily Care Needs
• Structured Activities and Programs Seven Days a Week
• Housekeeping and Laundry Services
• Delicious Meals and Snacks Daily
Senior Living at Forest Hills
107 Fall Run Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15221
junipercommunities.com
412.244.9901
Call us to schedule a complimentary lunch and tour today!
WOODLAND HILLS ❘
SPRING 2019
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