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Stress in Caregivers

Options to Limit Stress in Caregivers of Older Adults

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1
Introduction Who and why?
2
Priorities Clarification exercise
3
Options Explore the options
4
Decision Make an informed choice
5
Profile Summary of my process
Introduction Who and why?

Notepad A tool to keep notes and your questions to the health professional

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Caregiver stress                                                                                                                      

  • Caregiving consists of taking on an unpaid caring role for a person who has lost their mobility, their ability to care for themselves, or their ability to undertake other essential tasks such as using the phone or managing their money.
  • While fulfilling, caregiving requires time and energy, and can be demanding and stressful.
  • As a caregiver, it is important to pay attention to warning signs of stress: feelings of anger, anxiety, depression, exhaustion, lack of sleep or concentration, health problems, or social withdrawal.  
  • Risk factors for stressLearn more

    Some things increase the odds of caregivers experiencing stress, for example:

    • if you live with the person in your care
    • if you have health issues of your own
    • if you work part-time or have had to stop working
    • if you lack the training to perform the required caregiving tasks
    • if you are isolated from your friends or family
    • if the person in your care has behavioural issues
    • if the person in your care has significant needs
    • if you experience conflicts with the person in your care.
  • Taking your priorities into accountLearn more

    Depending on your priorities, you may or may not decide to make a change. The choice is up to you because...

    • There are several options to reduce your stress. These options can cause benefits or harms. It is impossible to predict how they will work for you.
    • Several factors may limit your ability to decrease your stress.
    • These options can cause benefits or harms. It is difficult to predict how they will work for you.
    • You can decide to give up your role as caregiver: this may cause other stressful situations, but it is also one of your options.
    • Choosing a support option or waiting before making a change (also called ""watchful waiting"") are both acceptable options.
We recommend that...

We recommend that...

  • The decision take into account the caregiver’s values and priorities.
  • The decision be shared between the healthcare professional and the caregiver.
 
Completing the exercise to clarify your priorities

Version 1.0

Publication date : November 2018 - Evidence update: : August 2017 - Next update : August 2019

© Laval University, 2018 all rights reserved.  -  Conflicts of interest  -  Credits