As more adults age well into their 80s and 90s, families – ready or not – are taking on the role of caregiver. In fact, there are 33.9 million people caring for someone 50 or older in the United States, according to a 2005 study by the AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving.
While the job has its rewards, new evidence reveals a disturbing trend of debilitating stress for the estimated one in four Americans sandwiched between raising their kids, and Mom and Dad.
Statistics from a recent survey tell the story. More than three-fourths (76 percent) of the 8,000 family caregivers who took an online caregiver stress test reported that their aging loved one’s needs are overwhelming.
Responses gathered through the Home Instead Senior Care site http://www.caregiverstress.com also showed that 91 percent of family caregivers have episodes of feeling anxious or irritable, 73 percent have disturbed sleep patterns, and 56 percent seem to become ill more frequently.
“Every day we encounter these family caregivers who love and want the best for their aging family members, but don’t know how to fit it all in,” said Dr. Nancy Oppenheimer-
The family caregiver typically is a 46-year-old woman, according to Patricia Volland, senior vice president of The New York Academy of Medicine and director of the Academy’s Social Work Leadership Institute.
Volland and her team commissioned a recent study called “Squeezed Between Children and Older Parents: A Survey of Sandwich Generation Women.” The poll, which surveyed women ages 35 to 54, showed that more than 60 percent of women concerned about an aging relative’s health have difficulty managing stress and are about three times more likely than non-caregivers to worry “a great deal” about having enough time for family.
Volland and other experts agree that staying healthy and seeking support are keys to survival.
“Eat nutritious foods and squeeze in a little exercise,” said Oppenheimer-
And don’t feel guilty about asking for help, she said. “Whether it’s a trusted family member, a friend or a professional caregiver, ask someone to step in and give you a break.”
The family caregiver stress test is available online at http://www.caregiverstress.com.
Caregiver Survival Tools
If you’re under stress from caring for an older relative, consider the following survival tools from Home Instead Senior Care:
Work out: Exercise and enjoy something you like to do (walking, dancing, biking, running or swimming) for a minimum of 20 minutes at least three times per week.
Meditate: Sit still and breathe deeply with your mind as “quiet” as possible whenever you feel overwhelmed. Consider learning a stress-management exercise such as yoga or tai-chi.
Ask for help: Enlist the help of other family members, friends and professional caregivers for assistance.
Take a break: Don’t feel guilty for wanting some time away. Use your support system so you can schedule breaks.
Eat well: Eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, including nuts and beans and whole grains. Indulging in caffeine, fast food and sugar as quick “pick-me-ups”
Take care of yourself: Get your annual check-up. Being a caregiver provides many excuses for skipping necessary exams, but don’t compromise your health.
Indulge: Treat yourself to a foot massage, manicure, nice dinner out or a concert to reward yourself.
Support: Join a local caregiver support group to get advice and to help you understand that what you are feeling is normal.
For more information, visit http://www.caregiverstress.com.
