Here are some things that eldercaregivers can do to relieve stress:

1. Stay involved and active in something that you like to do.

Take classes at local schools or community centers.
Get involved in community affairs.
Join social groups such as: card games, gardening, book clubs, art groups, craft clubs, horseshoes, bingo and support groups.
Visit with family and friends.
Encourage and accept help from others.
Find out about community and Internet resources.


2. Deal with feelings.

Accept sadness and anger.
Discuss feelings with others, remembering your elder’s right to confidentiality.
Treat yourself to something special every day, such as a favorite book, outdoor scene, hobby or window shopping.
Be patient with yourself. Allow time for change.


3. Learn to relax.

Exercise.
Meditate.
Listen to music.
Do what you enjoy, such as watch a movie, talk with a friend or work on a woodshop project.
Relax regularly in your favorite way.


4. Keep good health habits.

Have regular physical exams.
Exercise regularly.
Eat a balanced diet.
Avoid drugs and alcohol.
Educate yourself about medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter.


5. Keep a sense of humor.

Share a cute joke or photo.
Laugh or at least smile for your health; laughter lowers the blood pressure and helps healing.
When you’re feeling tired, stuck or frustrated, try humor to increase your energy and make the task seem lighter.

Go to ElderCare Online Main Page

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DOCHKA,

Practice forgiveness...

... of your loved one
... of health care pros
... of family members and friends
... of society

and most importantly...
... of yourself

These are excellent suggestions.
You have to maintain a sense of humor.You are dealing with so much but you have to give your self permission to laugh.My escape , at first was to come to this forum.
One thing it showed me that I was not the only one dealing with the daily ups and downs
Just to be able to talk about your real emotions.To be acknowledged for who you are and what you are dealing with.
To share how others deal with a situation is so good for all involved.
To know you have a place to come for support when all else seems hopeless.
I had good friends to laugh with but they could not understand why I wanted to care for anyone.So I knew not to say too much as they would say I made the choice.And that was true.My one weakness was I never took care of my self health wise.1I have suffered some of the consequences.
To be able to get away from the situation does wonders.Even for a few hours.I would use my yard, in the summer as an escape.I worked through so many things while working in the garden.
On a real bad day, I would put on my make up, fix my hair and look like I was not something the car dragged in.
I gave so much to insure the well being of others but , in one area, failed to see I mattered enough to do the same for my self.
In many ways I heated those I cared for.I was responsible for three.Looking back, you cannot devote enough time to three as you need to.But the alternative was something I could not deal with.What happened to my mother affirmed what I feared most.make your self matter.You owe that to your self