The Jewish Caregiver: 10 Signs You Need a Break
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- Published on Friday, 08 August 2014 18:09
As a part of our mission here at Fall River Jewish Home, we are dedicated to providing resources and tools to help greater Boston caregivers. One area that continues to be a focus is helping caregivers care for themselves. We frequently see mentally and physically exhausted family caregivers end up with chronic medical conditions of their own that are created by the demands of caring for their loved one.
The Warning Signs of Caregiver Overload
This week, we thought it was important to take a few minutes to talk about the warning signs of caregiver overload. They can include:
- You are losing or have lost interest in staying close to friends and family.
- Unintended weight gain or weight loss that may be tied to a change in eating behavior.
- Frequent headaches and stomach problems that you didn’t experience before you became a caregiver.
- Overwhelming feelings of despair, hopelessness, and sadness.
- Feeling resentful toward and anger with the senior loved one you provide care for or for your spouse or children.
- Quick to anger and easily agitated.
- Fatigue that won’t go away no matter how much you rest.
- Change in sleep patterns. Sleeping too much or suffering from insomnia.
- Problems shaking a cold or repeatedly coming down with a cold or flu.
- Loss of interest in favorite hobbies or pastimes.
Most of us experience one or two of these symptoms in the course of a normal week or month. If more than a few of these describe how you are feeling, however, it can signal the beginning of a more serious problem like anemia, high blood pressure, or depression. The best person to help you decide for certain is your primary care physician. Scheduling an appointment early can help you avoid a health crisis of your own.
We’re here to answer questions and help you make the best decision for care for you or your loved one. We invite you to reach out and talk with one of our care specialists at Fall River Jewish Home today! CALL 1.508.679.6172, where assistance is just a phone call away.
