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CAREGIVER STRESS

CAREGIVER STRESS. Interdisciplinary Community-Based Health Education Project Funded by:HRSA Grant# 1 D37 HP 00838-01 Long Island University/Brooklyn Campus. CAREGIVER STRESS. Francine Conway, Ph.D. Samuel Jones, DSW Long Island University , Social Work Department.

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CAREGIVER STRESS

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  1. CAREGIVER STRESS Interdisciplinary Community-Based Health Education Project Funded by:HRSA Grant# 1 D37 HP 00838-01 Long Island University/Brooklyn Campus

  2. CAREGIVER STRESS Francine Conway, Ph.D. Samuel Jones, DSW Long Island University, Social Work Department

  3. A Profile of America’s Caregivers • Women • Unpaid • 45 yr. and older • Family members

  4. Is Caregiving Stressful? • Who are the care recipients? • Ailing spouses/partners, family members (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson) • Adult disabled children (e.g. Developmental disorders and mental illnesses such as Mental Retardation, Autism, Schizophrenia, Substance Abuse etc.) • Grandchildren

  5. Stress in Caregiving Caregiving situation:Alzheimer’s Disease • What is Alzheimer’s Disease? • “Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, and the most common form of dementia” (2003 Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association, Inc. ). • 4 million Americans and 1 in 10 persons over 65 have AD • Average life span is eight years. • Most individuals with AD live at home • Most of the home care is provided by family and friends. Behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s disease that contributes to caregiver stress: • Dementia: personality changes, agitated behavior, anxiety, delusions and hallucinations • Loss of brain function lead to the need for complete care and eventually results in death. • Progression of illness varies widely and can change drastically

  6. Stress in Caregiving Caring for an adult child with mental illness • What is schizophrenia? • A psychological disorder caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain Problematic behaviors: • limited ability to care for activities of daily living • Poor judgement, requires structured supervised activities • Hallucinations, delusional thoughts • Poor work history, financially dependent

  7. Stress in Caregiving Parenting grandchild Reasons for grandparents raising grandchildren? • Parent’s death, substance abuse, incarceration, HIV/AIDS, financial difficulties • 5.4 million children living in grandparents’ homes (US Census 2000). Commonly encountered problems • Family conflicts, financial strain, behavioral problems, academic difficulties, custodial challenges, negotiating the social service system etc.

  8. Signs of Caregiver Stress • Physical Signs of Stress • Tension or migraine headaches • Muscle tension, aching shoulders and back • Gritting or grinding your teeth • Palpitations with no history of heart disease • Changes in your health status • Not feeling well with different symptoms every day

  9. Signs of Caregiver Stress • Eating and Sleeping Behavior • Difficulty falling asleep, restless sleep, fatigue • Loss of appetite or over eating • Weight loss or gain • Digestive problems, upset stomach • Use of alcohol or pills to sleep, stay awake, or relax

  10. Signs of Caregiver Stress • Thoughts and Feelings • No pleasure or interest in activities • Feeling guilty • Socially isolated • Irritable or short tempered • Feeling emotional • overwhelmed • Increased number of small accidents • Difficulty in focusing and concentrating • Forgetfulness

  11. Coping with Caregiver Stress Schedule some private time to: • Re-connect with friends • Go for a walk • Exercise • Take a hot bath • Listen to your favorite music • Or do something enjoyable!

  12. Coping with Caregiver Stress • Learn about the condition affecting your family member. • Take care of yourself: • Eat nutritious meals, • Rest • Exercise to reduce stress.

  13. Coping with Caregiver Stress • Ask for help • family members, friends and neighbors • community organization or church • medical social worker • Share your experiences with others. • caregiver support group

  14. Caregiving Stress Activity • Stress Test • Identify needs: • Physical, Financial, Social, Emotional

  15. Caregiving Stress Activity • Identifying Resources • Caregiver exchange- Area Agency on Aging • Adult Day Health Care • Companionship services • Escort services • Meals on wheels • Homemaker services • Respite care services • Social day care • Transportation

  16. References • www.alzheimernyc.org • National Alliance of the mentally ill: www.nami.org • Caregiver’s handbook: www.seniormag.org • U.S. Census 2000 • New York City Department for the Aged

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