Editor’s Note: The following column was originally published June 17, 2023.

Thanks to breakthroughs in medicine and nutrition in recent years, we are living longer than ever before. But this increase in life expectancy also brings an increase in the number of diseases, injuries and impairments that affect older adults. With this in mind, we at the Salem Visiting Angels office have created this series of articles to keep our older population and their families informed and to offer some practical advice for meeting the challenges faced by seniors and those who care for them.

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Serving as a caregiver for an elderly parent, grandparent or other family member can be a rewarding experience. Many people find a great sense of satisfaction in caring for that person who once cared for them. However, the role of elderly caregiver often comes with its share of challenges, and sometimes the responsibilities can be overwhelming. Juggling those challenges can be stressful, especially for those who are trying to manage work responsibilities or raising young children, and over time, the caregiver starts to feel burnt out.

The stress of caring for an elderly family member can have a drastic effect on the caregivers health and physical wellbeing. Some of the most common effects of stress on the body include exhaustion or low energy, often caused by a lack of sleep or inconsistent sleep patterns; drinking, smoking or excessive eating, which can also lead to weight gain; or eating meals inconsistently, which can lead to unhealthy weight loss. The physical strain of caregiving can also lead to pain or injuries in the joints and back.

Other signs that a caregiver may be burning out include constant anxiety or worry, extreme irritability or unexplained anger, and the inability to think about anything other than their caregiving duties. The caregiver may lose interest in things they once enjoyed like socializing with friends, going out or exercising, and they may begin to feel resentment against their loved one who needs care, irrationally blaming their loved one for the situation. Other times, they may blame themselves and feel an overwhelming sense of guilt.

It is important for a caregiver who may be showing signs of becoming overwhelmed to make some time for themselves and find ways to reduce the stress they are feeling, before burnout sets in.

Many people find relaxation techniques to be a great way to manage stress. Yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises all have a calming effect on the body and can be worked into daily routines. Others take comfort in prayer or guided mindfulness exercises. Physical activity is a great way to burn off the negative effects of stress, even though the caregiver may be inclined to exercise less. Even a short walk taken during a few minutes of free time can work wonders.

Maintaining a healthy diet can prepare the body for stressful times and gives the caregiver the energy they need to perform caregiving activities to their best. Good nutrition also helps to support good mental health and counter depression, anxiety and other negative emotions.

The caregiver may also find it helpful to consult their doctor if they start to feel burdened by the weight of their responsibilities.

Support groups can help family caregivers connect with others with similar experiences. Not only can such gatherings allow overwhelmed caregivers to vent their frustrations and share their feelings, but they can be a place for caregivers to learn from the stories of others and pick up techniques to help them provide better care for their loved one. Some support groups can offer new information specific to individual diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease, and they can be a place for caregivers to find new tips for managing their stress.

Some family members caring for elderly loved ones may find that they need more help, physically. Maybe the actions required to care for their loved one are more than they can handle alone, or it could be that they need the help of another so that they can remove themselves from the stressful situation for a while. Primary caregivers often turn to other family members, friends, or professional home care agencies for respite. There is nothing wrong with asking for help, especially when the responsibilities of caregiving start to become overwhelming,

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Information provided by Visiting Angels, America’s choice in homecare. Visiting Angels’ non-medical homecare services allow people to continue enjoying the independence of their daily routines and familiar surroundings. To set up an appointment for a free in-home consultation, call 330-332-1203.