In the U.S., 4 out of 10 family caregivers are caring for a parent. Half of all family caregivers live in their own home and travel to their parents' home to provide that care. Travel times vary, but most live within 20 miles. Of all those caregivers caring for a parent, 70 percent of them are between the ages of 50 and 64.
When you're caring for a parent, stress is a reality. Almost half of all long-distance caregivers and live-in family caregivers report feeling stressed. Of those who live near their parents, 28 percent report feeling stressed.
Here's the thing about stress. As you get older, you're more likely to develop certain skin conditions. Some of those skin conditions are triggered by stress. Eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea are examples of them. Controlling stress is the best way to avoid these skin conditions, but sometimes that stress is hard to control. What do you do?
Get Exercise
Exercise is a good way to combat stress. Go out for a 30-minute walk every day. If it rains, you can still go out, just bring an umbrella. The fresh air helps you clear your mind. The exercise boosts blood chemicals that help control your mood.
If you can't get outside, Yoga, Tai Chi, or another form of exercise can help you de-stress. Yoga and Tai Chi are two that get a lot of attention as they work on relaxation breathing while you stretch muscles and work on balance.
Seek Therapy
Caregiving is hard, but it's extra difficult when it's your parent you're trying to help. Your parent may not want your help and fight you. You might deal with verbal abuse. Your parent may scream, cry, shout, and even push or slap you when you try to assist with personal care tasks.
If being a family caregiver is leading to anxiety attacks, it may be time to seek therapy. There is nothing wrong with admitting that you need counseling to help you get through the hard times. It's actually more courageous to admit help is needed than it is to suffer in silence.
You could look for an individual therapist to help you. If you'd rather enter into a group therapy setting, look for area support groups for family caregivers.
Don't Overdo It
If you feel like you're overwhelmed, ask for help. Call an elderly care agency and discuss respite care services. While you go on a short vacation, take a day off, or lock yourself away for a few hours, caregivers help your parents with the tasks they cannot do without help. Elderly care can be arranged as often as you need it and for as long as you need it.
Sources:
https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-statistics-demographics
If you are considering hiring elderly care in Clearfield, UT, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Seniors Helping Seniors of Ogden, UT. Call today 801-821-4535.