J U LY / A U G 2 0 1 4
Misconceptions About
Caregiving Add Stress
Demands can be physical, emotional,
psychological
by Lisa M. Petsche, Staff Writer
Caring for a chronically ill or
medically frail relative can offer
many rewards, but it also involves
physical, psychological and emotional demands. It can be particularly challenging when the care
receiver has heavy hands-on needs,
a difficult personality or mental
impairment.
Stress can be further compounded by certain thoughts and belief
systems. Here are some common
misconceptions among caregivers
and the unhealthy behaviors that
typically result from them.
Faulty Thinking.
The caregiver believes:
• He or she can and should
provide all the care.
• No one else can take good care
of the care receiver.
• Medical professionals are
wrong about the care receiver’s
diagnosis, prognosis or healthcare needs.
Maladaptive Behavior.
The caregiver:
• Devotes all his or her time and
energy to caregiving.
• Declines assistance.
• Promises the care receiver he
or she will never have to live in
a long-term-care residence.
• Withholds from other family
members information about
the care receiver’s condition
and needs.
Healthy Coping
These are some adaptive coping
strategies caregivers can use to
prevent falling into destructive
behavior patterns.
Acceptance
• An important first step is to
accept the reality of your care
receiver’s illness. Allow yourself
to experience all the emotions
that surface. Make a conscious
decision to let go of any bitterness resulting from unrealized
plans and dreams so you can
move forward and channel
your energy in constructive
ways.
• Accept that the way your care
receiver feels and what they can
do may fluctuate, and be flexible about plans.
Information
• Ask a friend to research your
care receiver’s health condition.
Share the information among
family members. Knowledge
is power.
• Be open to learning practical
skills, such as proper transferring and bathing techniques.
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