National Stress Awareness Month

Managing stress is crucial for family caregivers.

The role of a family caregiver can be both rewarding and challenging. Most caregivers feel a deep satisfaction from supporting a friend or loved one. For many, it’s one of the most important things they will do. But the job can also be demanding, and stress is a common problem. Gone unchecked, it can take a trigger or exacerbate many health-related issues like poor sleep, high blood pressure, headaches, and worsening health problems.

According to Angela Daugherty, director of Home Assist for Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio, it is not selfish to focus on your own needs when you are a caregiver. In fact, it is part of the job. When the caregiver gets run down, everyone suffers.

Daugherty urges caregivers to try to take time for themselves to take a walk outside, listen to music, or do a hobby.

Most of all, she suggests reaching out to friends, family or a support group.

“You need an outlet,” she says. “You need to be able to vent and you should never feel bad about it.

“I have had people cry to me about how exhausted they are,” she added. “All I can do is listen. Sometimes that's all they need-- to be heard and validated.”

Daugherty explained that a home care nurse or aide can provide family members with a much-needed break. Often, it gives the family caregiver a chance to leave the house while a home care aide provides personal care for the patient such as assistance bathing or eating.

She says that people don’t realize that home care does not necessarily have to be a long-term commitment. Some families bring in a nurse to perform an initial assessment of the home environment and review medications. They can help ensure that the home is a safe environment and might suggest medical equipment that could help. After a few visits, family members can get on the right track to better care for the patient themselves.

When hiring a home caregiver, Daugherty says it’s important to look for the right match with your loved one.

“You know what makes your family member tick and what they enjoy,” she said. "If the patient likes golf, find someone who can talk about golf.”

She says it also helps to start slowly. Building trust takes time, but it can really pay off. Expert advice from a professional can make a big impact. Not only is it reassuring to family members, Daugherty points out that patients are more likely to comply with their nurse’s advice than they would from a family member.

Another source of caregiver stress is being responsible for enforcing strict rules for the patient. While some things are medically necessary, perhaps others are flexible, like doing physical therapy, wearing one’s hearing aids, or eating a favorite treat.

“Pick your battles,” said Daugherty. ‘In most cases, you can let the patient indulge in favorite foods or activities within reason and enjoy life in moderation.”

Finally, Daugherty encourages caregivers to take advantage of devices like security cameras or baby monitors, if possible. She also recommends that all home patients wear a medical alert system pendant to call for help if needed.

"Technology is your friend,” she explained.

VNA of Ohio is a pioneer in home care. Founded in 1902, its team of nurses and therapists have a long history of supporting patients where they are most comfortable -- in their own homes. For more information about VNA Ohio home care, please call (216) 931-1500.