Stress Relief for Caregivers

Informal caregivers (those who provide care to others without being paid) often deal with a lot of stress. According to 2020 data from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), 64% of caregivers consider their caregiving situation to be either moderately or highly stressful. 

If left unaddressed, prolonged caregiver stress of this kind can lead to caregiver burnout. Caregiver burnout, in turn, often has a dire effect on the lives and well-being of caregivers. Other reports have shown that 40%-70% of caregivers have symptoms of depression. Further, it's not unusual for caregivers to experience negative impacts on their physical health as a result of their caregiving duties. 

How To Cope With Caregiver Stress

For these reasons, experts agree that effective stress management and self care techniques are essential to preventing and/or mitigating the effects of burnout. Here, we'll run through a few ways to reduce stress for caregivers, both in your daily life and on a larger scale. 

  • Get Help. There's no shame in asking for help, whether that's enlisting paid help from a professional in-home caregiver or drawing on your community for some respite care. Being able to give yourself breaks to tend to your own needs will ensure that you're able to continue providing care to your loved one.

  • Practice Stress Relief Techniques in the Moment. Caregiving is often a round-the-clock job. As such, it's important to cultivate a list of effective stress relief strategies that you can do anywhere, at any time. Some options include:

    • Practicing mindfulness

    • Breathing exercises

    • Body scans and progressive muscle relaxation

  • Find Empowerment. Many caregivers feel like they don't have a choice when it comes to their caregiving responsibilities, and this feeling of powerlessness contributes significantly to burnout and depression. To avoid this, look for ways to reclaim your sense of agency and identity. 

PACE of Southwest Michigan's innovative philosophy focuses on providing care to seniors in their own homes and communities, thereby allowing them to maintain their comfort, independence, and dignity. PACE takes a holistic, all-inclusive approach to care that combines interdisciplinary healthcare, social support, spiritual care, and more. If you or someone you know is struggling to have their care needs met, check your eligibility or contact us to explore your options.