As a caregiver of an aging parent, you knew there’d be stress and that while it would be extremely rewarding, it could also be hard at times. A caregiver not only takes care of her aging parent, but also must manage all her non-caregiving life.

If you are able to manage the additional stress of caring for your parent by requesting help from others as well as taking needed breaks, you’re going to find that you provide better caregiving as well as give those in your life a better version of yourself. But what if the stress is beginning to build up and take over other aspects of your life?

Here are ten signs that you as a caregiver might need to reevaluate how you’re providing care for your parent so that you can get back into a healthier lifestyle.

1. Anxiety. If you feel a constant state of anxiousness about being able to get it all done or have a hard time focusing on other important aspects of your life, anxiety may be getting a grip on you.
2. Depression. Feeling sad occasionally is normal. Depression is a constant emotional state where you may feel overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and sadness.
3. Withdrawal. Withdrawal often occurs because of depression or anxiety. If you find yourself pulling away from people and activities that you used to love, it often causes more isolation and the feeling that you must do everything on your own.
4. Anger. Because caring for an aging parent uses a lot of emotional and physical energy, if you don’t find ways to manage that fatigue, you may find yourself becoming a lot more angry at those you love. You can find yourself yelling at your parent for little things or feeling angry toward loved ones who are not contributing to the care of your parent like you believe they should be.
5. Insomnia. As the concerns and worries of taking care of your parent overwhelm you, you may find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
6. Exhaustion. Running errands, constant check ins, and phone calls to doctors, home care providers, and other necessary people in your parent’s life may consume every bit of energy you have. Without needed breaks, you’ll find yourself feeling exhausted in no time.
7. Difficulty Concentrating. If worry and concern are running circles in your brain, it might be difficult for you to perform even a simple task such as making dinner for your family.
8. Eating Changes. Are you skipping meals, eating too many unhealthy snacks, or only eating fast food meals? Caring for your parent may make you think you don’t have time to feed yourself properly as you grab quick bites of food here and there.
9. Addictive Behavior. Finding relief from the stress of caregiving is important, but when you choose unhealthy behaviors to cope, such as drinking too much, smoking, or overeating, in the end, you only compound the problem.
10. Increased Health Issues. As the stress wears on your body, your body will have a more difficult time fighting off the viruses, germs, and bacteria it encounters so you may find yourself getting sick more often.

Some of these symptoms may come and go as you go through different stages of caregiving for your parent but if you find any of these becoming a regular situation and interfering with your day-to-day functioning, seek help. A healthy caregiver is always a better caregiver.

If you or a family member are in need of hiring Caregiver Services in Delray Beach FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Margate, Pompano Beach and Tamarac.

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Stephen Sternbach

CEO at Star Multi Care Services

With over 35 years of experience, Stephen Sternbach has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Star Multi Care Services since 1987. After the sale of the New York and New Jersey operations of Star Multi Care Services, Sternbach brought the company private where he remains President and CEO of this 40-million dollar company. With Sternbach at the helm, Star Multi Care Services employs more than 650 employees, in six offices throughout Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York.

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