Compassionate Dependable Care Caregiver Stress Identifying and Coping
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Caregiver Stress Identifying and Coping with Caregiver Stress Andy Houck Stay at Home® 865. 300. 4612 Ahouck@Stay. Home. Web. com 1 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Caregiving Will Impact All of Us “There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who are caregivers, those who were caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need care. ” Former First Lady – Rosalynn Carter 2 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® The Wave of Aging Boomers The elderly population with increase from 35 million to 55 million in the next 15 years The fastest growing segment of the population is the group 85 or older. It is expected to double in the next 15 years. An estimated 12 million Americans say they need assistance to carry out everyday activities. First Baby Boomers turn 65 in 2011 The number of family caregivers will continue to grow as the population of persons 65+ increases from over 38 million today to 54 million by 2020. US Census, Baby Boomers – Jan 1, 1946 - Dec 31, 1964 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 3 865. 300. 4612
Did You Know Compassionate & Dependable Care® There are 44. 4 million Americans (or 21% of all households) provide unpaid care for adult family members or friends. Nearly 60% of those caring for an older adult are working; the majority are work full-time. Informal Caregivers provide unpaid services worth more than $257 billion dollars per year. The emotional impacts of caring for a loved one include deep feelings of: isolation; depression; resentment; anger; and guilt. The number of family caregivers will continue to grow as the population of persons 65+ increases from over 38 million today to 54 million by 2020. Over the next 6 years, the number of Americans over the age of 50 will increase by 74%. The number under the age of 50 will increase by 1%. Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 4 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Impacts on Business At least 6 out of 10 employed caregivers reported that they had made some work-related adjustments as a result of their care giving responsibilities. 84% spend a portion of their day making phone calls related to elder care 69% arrive late or leave early 67% take time-off during their work day If the employee should quit the replacement cost to businesses is 75% of the annual salary ¤ … Met. Life Study 1999 & July 2006 5 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Today, we will answer three questions… q How does the body react to stress? q What is Caregiver Stress? q How can I cope with the stress of caring for a loved one? At the end of this session we will address these questions. 6 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Human Lifestyle Evolution 7 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® What is Stress? “Stress is a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation” Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary 8 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® The Origin of “Stress” q Historically – Separation of Mind & Body q Hans Selye, Canadian Researcher q 1930 s – research on ovarian extract q Tests on lab rats - Emotional reaction to being dropped & chased q Led to physiological responses - ulcers, enlarged adrenal glands, shrunken immune tissues q Coined the term “Stress” to describe phenomena 9 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Human Reaction: “Fight or Flight” q Walter Cannon, Harvard Researcher q Theory - Stress evolved as survival instinct q Gearing our bodies to battle with opponent or flee Source: Image from the movie, “ 10, 000 BC” The stress response is a key survival mechanism. 10 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Stress Response: Survival Instinct q Stress response is natural q Allows the body to mobilize for action q Protects our body from threats q Can be very effective in the short-term What types of reaction is this man experiencing? 11 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Stress Response: Chemical Reaction q Body flooded with hormones q Brain placed on High Alert q Increased Blood flow (directed to muscles) Source: Running of the Bulls (Pamplona, Spain) The Short-term response mobilizes the body into action. 12 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Physiology of Stress: Short-term Response Compassionate & Dependable Care® q Increased Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, & Oxygen Transfer q Rapid increase of glucose, proteins & fat q Elevated blood sugar levels – Triglycerides q Diminished Perception of Pain q Temporary Shut Down of bodily systems (immune, reproductive, digestive) q Improved Cognitive & Sensory Skills The body responds physically to meet the looming threat. Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 13 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Stress Response: Chronic Stimulation q Body remains on heightened ‘State of Alert’ q Unable to regenerate & achieve stable state q Organs and tissues wear down q Increased risk of illness & disease Like a jet, the human body cannot stay on afterburners very long without suffering serious consequences. 14 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Physiology of Stress: Long-term Effects q Fatigue & Memory Loss q Cardiovascular Disease q Diminished Cognitive Skills q Compromised Immune System q Mental disorders (nervous system overload) q Ulcers & Gastrointestinal Disorders q Onset of Diabetes (resistance to insulin) The long term effects of stress compromise the body and mind. 15 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Compromised Immune System q Immune system is: Ø Body’s first line of defense Ø Detects differences between healthy and unhealthy cells Ø Protects from disease by killing pathogens & tumor cells q Compromised immune system can lead to serious illness or death A weakened immune system lowers the body’s defenses. 16 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Bottom-line: Impact of Stress The stress response is designed to mobilize the body for action in the short-term. Continued exposure to chronic stressful situations weakens the body and increases the risk of illness and disease. Stay at Home® We need to be aware of the damaging effects of chronic stress. 17 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Caregiver Stress “Caregiver Stress is the emotional and physical strain of caregiving. It can take many forms. ” US Dept of Health & Human Services (Womens. Health. gov) 18 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® The Informal (Family) Caregiver q Provide unpaid care to elderly or disabled person (18 yrs+) q Represent 44 million Americans & 80% of US long-term care q 61% are women, 39% are men q Most are middle-aged, 13% are aged 65 years and older q 59% have other jobs Source: US Dept of Health & Human Services(www. womenshealth. gov) Most family caregivers view their role as essential & personally rewarding. 19 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Caregiver Study: ‘Top 5’ Unmet Needs 1. Finding time for myself 2. Keeping their loved one safe 3. Managing emotional & physical stress 4. Balancing work & family responsibilities 5. Finding “easy activities” to engage their loved one Source: National Alliance for Caregiving & AARP Caregiving in the US, April 2004 These represent the needs that are not being met. 20 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Common Emotions: Precursors of Stress q Guilt q Helplessness q Embarrassment q Frustration q Anger Often times, all it takes is one more stressor to break the caregiver’s back. 21 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Triple Jeopardy: Caregivers Dilemma 1. Stress of worrying about loved ones 2. Stress of caring for a loved one 3. Stress of strained family relationships The combination of these three stresses is unique, real and often debilitating. 22 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® The Big Lie: I am F. I. N. E. Frustrated Isolated Neglected Emotional Source: Dr. Hans Dreyer Website (drhansdreyer. com) The mask of FINE is often a lie with dire consequences. Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 23 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Caregiver Stress: 10 Warning Signs 1. Constant Fatigue & Exhaustion 2. Anger & Denial 3. Social Withdrawal 4. Anxiety & Depression 5. Migraines Caregivers get so used to coping that the signs can be subtle and difficult to detect. 24 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Caregiver Stress: 10 Warning Signs 6. Sleeping Difficulties 7. Memory Problems 8. High Blood Pressure 9. Lack of Concentration 10. Lowered Immune Functioning - resulting in higher susceptibility to infection Over time, the signs seem natural, unavoidable, and almost comfortable…causing us to ignore serious signs of trouble! 25 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Bottom-line: Caregiver Stress Syndrome is the physical and psychological impact of chronic stress and the demands associated with caregiving. 25 years research – found serious physical and mental symptoms as a result of caregiving stress. 26 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® The Issue & Solution “Caring for a family member is rewarding, challenging and sometimes overwhelming. But, you need to know when to call for help. ” Stay at Home® 27 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® The Solution: ABC q Awareness: Be actively aware of the physical and emotional stresses encountered by family members who care for loved ones. q Belief: Recognize that it is OK to get help…. seek resources to help reduce the stress of caring for a loved one. q Change: Initiate a plan that takes care of the caregivers…taking into account the needs of the caregiver and the loved one receiving care. Remember your ABC’s… 28 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Getting Help: Why is it so Difficult? q Accustomed to working alone q Martyr Syndrome – Undeserving of a break q Low Feelings of Self Worth q Belief that ‘failed’ loved one q Perceived Weakness It can be very difficult to admit you can’t go it alone! 29 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Strategies to Reduce Caregiver Stress 1. Develop Realistic Expectations 2. Establish Personal Boundaries & Set Limits 3. Ask for and Accept Help 4. Take Care of Yourself 5. Involve the Family You can’t take care of others, if you don’t first take care of yourself. 30 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Three S’s to Avoid “sssss” 1. Sleep Deprivation 2. Sedentary Lifestyle 3. Stress To realize the full potential of your temple… Avoid the Three S’s and eat healthy. 31 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Bottom-line: Take Care of Yourself “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. ” ESV Proverbs 11: 14 Honor your loved one by taking care of yourself! 32 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Chronic Stress is an extreme burden Often times, all it takes is just one more stressor to break the caregivers back. 33 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Resources Alzheimer’s Association ………………… 544. 6288 Provider information about the disease, its diagnosis, and treatment; professional and family caregiving classes; support groups and referral to support groups; referral to community agencies that offer assistance. National Council on the Aging ………. . …. 1. 800. 373. 4906 Publications on many subjects, including Alzheimer’s Disease, caregiving, exercise, and retirement. K. Shannon Wilson, Ph. D. ……………. . ………… 584. 4005 Licensed Clinical Psychologist Ed Harper ………………………………… 977. 5744 Senior Services Coordinator for Blount Memorial Hospital provides local area information concerning issues and services pertaining to aging. 34 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® The most personal decision you will ever make is: To have a complete stranger come into your partially incapacitated loved one’s home and provide care while you are not there. Stay at Home® provides in home care services for Knox and surrounding counties designed to keep your loved ones safely in the comfort of their home for as long as possible. Stay at Home® Awareness Series q Caregiver Stress- Identifying & Coping: the emotional & physiological effects of long term caregiver stress & the impact on health. q Neurobics- Exercising Your Brain: discusses how to keep your brain active and growing your whole life. q Companion Gap- When your Loved One is Home Alone: the 5 main reasons they are usually rehospitalized. Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 35 865. 300. 4612
Total Family Care Team Compassionate & Dependable Care® Taking care of the whole person – body, mind, heart and soul. 36 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 865. 300. 4612
Compassionate & Dependable Care® Thank you for your time today! Compassionate and Dependable Care® Andy Houck 865. 300. 4612 Stay at Home® © The Arden Group, Inc. 2007 -2011 Ahouck@stayhomeweb. com Stayhomeloudon. com 37 865. 300. 4612
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