It is very easy for caregivers to become stressed by their caregiving duties. Loved ones often are bothered by their medical problems, and these loved ones often take out their frustrations on those closest to them, their caregivers. This is especially the case when the loved ones are in denial and the caretakers are urging their loved ones to change lifelong habits to accommodate precautions necessary for their dangerous medical problems.
Caregivers are giving up so much and can become angered by what they perceive as their loved ones’ lack of appreciation for and even resistance to their caregiving efforts to help them.
Let’s get specific. Loved ones’ medical problems may seem to them as a terrible personal decline just opposite to what they experienced when growing up. They were exhilarated when they first learned to walk. Now, they fear that, to continue moving about safely, they will need canes, then perhaps walkers, and finally wheelchairs.
If, in denial, they say they do not need these assistant devices, they might fall and suffer a traumatic injury. Even if they never need these devices, they probably will suffer from arthritis pain when they walk.
When loved ones first learned how to drive a car, they felt on top of the world. Soon, however, they might lose their ability to drive a car safely.
Men, especially, might remember their athletic ability when they were young. Now, they risk athletic injuries or worse if they attempt to replicate such performances or even do daily activities that they could easily do before they suffered their medical problems.
Women, especially, might be proud of their cooking ability that has increased over the years. As their memory and ability to multitask declines, however, they might be in danger of accidently leaving their stoves on and dangerously unattended.
The above medical problems are not as serious as many other problems that some caregivers must help their loved ones to endure. In my readings of the caregiving literature, I am amazed at the problems faced by some caregivers. Some loved ones have lost their ability to do any of the activities of daily living, and some even have forgotten how to breathe. I have learned to count my blessings.
There are two take-a-ways with which I want to leave you. First, try to understand why your loved one is not always such a good companion. Second, try to feel grateful that you probably do not have as strenuous a load as do some caregivers.
Are you a caregiver? How do you manage your stress?
