Caregivers
Located in Oklahoma City, OK  |  405-286-6000
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
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Important Caregiving Information

Caregiver roles may often be assigned to family members with the fewest competing responsibilities, including obligations to spouses, children, and employees. Often the spouse, then daughter, and son (including son’s spouse) are the individuals involved primarily in the patient’s care.

Between 20% and 40% of caregivers have children under the age of 18 to care for on top of their other care giving responsibilities, so these individuals find themselves caring for their parents and their children. NeuroResources Neuropsychological Services would like to provide those caregivers with some information and resources to deal with the mounting stress.

All information provided below is not an endorsement of offered services, but merely presented for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, call us today at 405-286-6000.

Facts About Caregivers

  • There are about 18-25 million family caregivers in the U.S. (that’s about 10-15% of the adult population
  • 1 of every 4 households in the U.S. is involved in caregiving (22.4 million households)
  • 56% of caregivers are female, 44% are male
  • The average age of caregivers is 57-60 years old
  • 1/3 to 2/3 of family caregivers are employed full-time or part-time outside the home in addition to their care giving responsibilities
  • 80% of caregivers provide unpaid assistance 7 days a week
  • Average number of hours caregivers provide care is 73 hours per week

What Is Stress and Its Common Causes?

When someone is subjected to pressure or strain. It can occur when you have been diagnosed with a medical illness, when you have financial difficulties, or when you are called upon to care for someone else suffering from medical or mental difficulties.
 
Caregivers tend to take care of themselves last and tend to deny their feelings and needs in the face of other people’s needs. These behaviors can lead to burnout on the job, dysfunction in one’s personal life, and exacerbation of grief over previously denied or unresolved losses. Common causes of stress include:
  • Prolonged periods of injury or illness
  • Changes experienced by our loved ones, such as changes in behavior, physical capabilities, thinking skills, and mood/emotions
  • Changes in our roles when something changes dramatically or suddenly
  • Financial difficulties
  • A significant change in one’s responsibilities
  • Worry about your loved one’s recovery or ability to return to their former level of functioning
  • Difficulties obtaining needed medical care or services
Stress

Common Effects of Stress

  • Trouble thinking and solving problems
  • Headaches
  • Problems with your physical health, such as heart problems, poor digestion, and sleep difficulties
  • Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and depression
  • Anxiety or nervousness
  • Relationship problems with your spouse, parents, children, or friends
  • Irritability, loss of your temper, impatience, and a desire to withdraw from social interactions
Outdoor activities

Tips to Help Cope

  • Allow yourself time to adjust. Don’t be hard on yourself
  • Realize that your feelings are a normal response to a new, and possibly difficult, situation
  • Be patient with yourself and others
  • Don’t give up on reaching your goals
  • Realize that it is normal to be worried or focus on the negative
  • Focus on what your loved one can do rather than on what they can’t do.
  • Remain hopeful
  • Take one step at a time
  • Set small goals that can be achieved more easily or more quickly
  • Avoid thinking about the way that things used to be
  • Give up some old responsibilities when you need to take on new responsibilities
  • Remain active and set aside time to do things that you enjoy
  • Join a support group. Others in a similar situation will offer a great support system and may have good suggestions for dealing with difficult situations
  • Try to do something fun regularly with your loved ones
  • Talk to and spend time with people who care about you
  • Ask for help when you need it
  • Give yourself regular breaks from care giving activities
  • Discuss your concerns with a professional
  • Learn about other resources for information and assistance
  • Remember, you have to care for yourself so that you can care for your loved one
Caregiver

Online Resources

Caregiving

Other Websites of Interest

Caregiving

Other Websites of Interest

  • Disability Information and Referral Service - 1-800-255-3477
  • National Adult Day Services Association - 866-890-7357 www.nadsa.org
Call us at
405-286-6000
to schedule your appointment!
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