Battling caregiver stress - Philadelphia Protestant Home
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Battling caregiver stress

Posted on: Jul 21, 2015

Submitted by Carrie Gabryelewicz, Personal Care Social Worker at PPh

The demands of being a caregiver can be very rewarding, however can quickly become overwhelming. Caregivers need to be mindful that they remain aware of their own needs, and to not allow the role of being a caregiver take over their life.
Caring for a loved one is extremely difficult, from seeing the decline in physical and mental health to the realization that their loved one’s condition may not improve but could continue to get worse. If a caregiver does not address the stress they
feel, this stress can lead to caregiver burnout and serious health concerns for the care giver themselves.

Signs of caregiver stress include: increased anxiety, feeling more fatigued than usual, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, feeling resentful, and cutting back
on leisure activities. If not addressed, caregivers can develop their own physical or mental health conditions, relationship problems, and work problems. Signs of caregiver burnout include: entire life revolves around caregiving, tiredness, getting sick all the time, not finding joy in anything, extreme anger or frustration.

Help is available for caregivers to prevent burnout and reduce stress. Remember to take care of yourself: get plenty of rest, ask for help, talk to someone, join a
support group, be willing to give up some control of the situation to allow others to help, divide up care duties among those willing to help. Check with local churches
and hospitals for listings of support groups in your area.

What Residents Say

"In my nine years at PPH, I’ve grown to like it very much. At first, I felt like a stranger and then as I began to talk to people, we increasingly became good friends. A way to meet people is to join clubs. I’m now part of the PPH Auxiliary. I love helping with their flea markets because you never know what you can find. Recently, I’ve joined an evening quilting class. I love that I can continue to enjoy my life outside of PPH while experiencing the offers here.…especially the pool! Everything is just so convenient.

– Lucille Hite, Independent Living resident

What Families Say

"My mom is sooo happy at PPH, I can’t even describe it in strong enough words. She’s met so many new friends and these ladies do EVERYTHING together! She sees Dad every day in Pathways, but can have her life too. She’s gone to so many activities and I think I’ve already been to Scoops with her at least 15 times. She loves the dining room and Bistro too. My sister, Ilene, and I are so delighted that Mom is happy.......Wow, it feels like Mom’s been there about 2 years—but it’s only 2 months!! That’s how comfortable and natural it feels for her – and for all of us.

– Rhonda Frenkel, daughter of resident Bernice Segal

Philadelphia Protestant Home