Reduce Caregiver Stress with Flexibility

We see so many articles, lectures, and books that preach increased awareness of caregiver burnout and caregiver stress. “Take care of yourself,” they tell us. “Take time for yourself and find ways to relax.” Frank Broyles, University of Arkansas coaching legend, wrote Coach Broyles’ Playbook for Alzheimer’s Caregivers after caring for his wife, Barbara. She was diagnosed in 1999 and died five years later, but her daughter says she started having symptoms in 1993. Broyles’ daughter, Betsy Broyles Arnold, today is an advocate for caregivers and teaches that attitude is the caregiver’s most important asset.

Mom was so very patient when dealing with my dad. As his mental age regressed, public incidents happened more frequently. He would make faces, mouth noises, or laughingly challenge wheelchair-bound strangers to a race. As his behavior became more unpredictable, Mom preferred to let him stay home. My sister and I began taking turns doing “Dad duty” shifts, staying home with him so Mom could go run her errands.

One day when I arrived at their home for a “Dad duty” visit, my father was sitting on the sofa in his pajamas. I looked at my mom, confused. She smiled and said, “They say the greatest cause of caregiver stress is lack of flexibility. I’m going to adjust my expectations every day if I need to. If he doesn’t want to shower or get dressed, he doesn’t have to.” Mom was right, of course, and we all followed suit. Showering, shaving, eating lettuce or broccoli… if he balked, we gave in. And moved on.

At Advocates for the Independent, a trusted provider of Cypress home care services, we know that the role of the family caregiver can be both rewarding and stressful. Family caregivers are frequently juggling a lot of responsibilities, and partnering with a home care agency can help reduce caregiver stress and provide much-needed respite. Family caregivers who take advantage of time away from their caregiving responsibilities avoid caregiver burnout, and can maintain their own health and wellbeing. Reach out to us today at (866)-237-7232 to learn about our Cypress home care services and our full service area.

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