Caring for an aging loved one is rewarding, but consistent elderly care can also take a toll on someone. As a caregiver, you invest physical and emotional energy into someone else’s needs. This creates stress that can compromise your mental health or ability to provide adequate assistance over time. To ensure you’re still looking after yourself, here are a few ways you can cope with caregiver stress. 

How Can Caregivers Cope With Stress?

1. Recognize the Signs of Burnout

Providing elderly care can be draining. Some common signs of caregiver burnout include exhaustion, frequent illness, consistent feelings of stress, hopelessness, irritability, and neglecting your own needs. If you notice these signs, it’s time to take action and boost your quality of life. This will help improve your outlook and ensure you’re providing adequate support to the senior in your life.

2. Make Time for Hobbies

While you may devote much of your time to your loved one’s care, leisure and hobbies are essential to your own well being. Try to fill your time off with hobbies. This can include walks in the park, crafting, painting classes, or gardening. Taking even just a few hours per week to participate in enjoyable activities can help you reduce stress levels and ensure your own happiness.

3. Join a Support Group

Life as a caregiver can feel isolating, but you are not alone in your feelings. Find a local support group of others who provide elderly care. You can confide in them, experience empathy, and share tips that will help everyone provide better care. These groups can also give you much-needed social interaction to improve your mood.

4. Take a Break Sometimes

When you are feeling burnt out, a vacation can recharge you and refresh your perspective. If you can’t leave the senior alone, respite care can alleviate the stress by taking over your duties while you’re away. The senior can live in an apartment at an assisted living facility with staff to look after their needs. You can even set up a respite care schedule to take breaks every few months. 

If you are experiencing caregiver stress or burnout, the team at Red Oak Residence offers quality respite and elderly care for your loved one. Located in North Bend, WA, this assisted living facility prioritizes quality of life for seniors. They offer both independent and assisted living facilities to give the support that your loved one requires. Residents also have access to craft rooms, libraries, beauty and barber salons, and other activities. Visit them online to learn more about respite services or call (425) 888-7108 to schedule a tour.