Caring for those we love is a stressful endeavor. There are so many emotional aspects that add to caregiver stress – feelings such as guilt, fear, sadness, helplessness, loss and many other emotions can come into play. The following article suggests that therapy may be able to help caregivers overcome some of these emotions that can be paralyzing. The article discusses several different caregiver scenarios/feelings and suggests some therapeutic interventions. You can read the entire article here: http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/22/for-traumatized-caregivers-therapy-helps/#more-14667.
In the U.S. there are approximately 62 million unpaid Family Caregivers. In a recent AARP report, if it wasn’t for these unpaid family caregivers, this country would be in even more dire straits. These family caregivers increasingly, middle-aged offspring taking care of their elderly parents – provided $450 billion worth of unpaid home care in 2009, states AARP. That’s more than the total Medicaid spending that year or more than Wal-Mart Inc.’s total sales in 2009. It’s also 20 percent higher than unpaid home care totals for two years earlier. “If the family caregiver were no longer available, we’d see…
Unfortunately, caregivers are financially burdened by their caregiving duties. While caregiving creates a financial burden, caregiving has a big impact on work and life. Most caregivers are working, either full or part-time, or have worked at some point while caregiving. It is estimated that more than 60 percent of working caregivers have made adjustments to their work schedule, such as leaving early, arriving late, or taking time off. With the current financial situation, can you afford to loose your job because you are worried about your loved one? Caregivers also report they have less time for family or friends, have…
This can be verbal or physical and often occurs when the stress level of the person with dementia has been exceeded. Often the person with dementia feels their personal space is being invaded. Depression is often associated with verbal outbursts. Dealing with an acute episode can include: • Speak slowly, maintain eye contact and be calm • Divert attention away from the event • Distract and redirect the person • Investigate your loved one’s fears and show an understanding of their distress • Minimize external stimuli • Avoid events that trigger a reoccurrence.
Typically, these are requests for help. Consequently, they may be a response to stress, seeking attention, or lack of stimulation. Therefore, these interventions can lessen the effect: • Unmet need – hunger or thirst? • Reassurance if intimate care is approaching – the distress may be in anticipation of care procedures • Allow for pain, infection, constipation or other medical issues • Allow for more rest periods, verbal agitation can cause excessive fatigue • Consider smell, noise, light, temperature or activity.
Frederick, MD 
301-663-9230
