For many elderly married couples, the phrase “in sickness and in health” rings true every year as one spouse takes care of the other. And although caring for an aging spouse is a labor of love, it can be mentally, physically and emotionally draining. Caregiver stress is common, which can put a strain on a couple’s relationship and place their freedom and independence at risk. Thankfully, as a spousal caregiver there are several proven ways to manage your own health while caring for your partner. 

Signs of Caregiver Stress

Although serving as a caregiver at any age is challenging, the aging process makes it even more difficult. To help prevent caregiver stress watch for these warning signs:

  • Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried
  • Feeling tired throughout the day
  • Getting too much sleep or not enough sleep
  • Rapid weight loss or gain
  • Becoming easily irritated or angry
  • Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Feeling sad
  • Experiencing frequent headaches, bodily pain or other physical problems
  • Abusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications

Poor eating habits, not enough sleep and a lack of physical activity can all exacerbate the effects of caregiver stress. Eventually, that pent-up stress can cause serious health problems like heart disease, anxiety, depression and diabetes.

Self-Care Tips for Spousal Caregivers 

Staying refreshed as a spousal caregiver is possible when taking these steps:

Ask your spouse to help

An imbalanced relationship isn’t healthy for either party. If there are daily tasks that your spouse can assist with, like paying bills or doing laundry, ask them to help. Working as a team will ultimately bring you closer together and prevent caregiver burnout.

If they can’t physically participate, expressing gratitude for their efforts from time-to-time will help create a more positive home environment.

Involve family members  

Don’t feel obligated to provide all the care your loved one needs. Starting with your kids, ask family members to help-out, giving you a chance to refocus attention on your own physical and emotional needs. Preparing meals, doing housework or transporting your spouse to medical appointments will allow you to catch up on other responsibilities or simply decompress.

If you don’t have any relatives nearby, other sources of relief may include community volunteers, meal delivery services or trusted neighbors.

Be patient

Depending on what’s ailing them, your spouse may experience negative emotions like anger, agitation and confusion. If they have dementia or Alzheimer’s, their behavior could become aggressive or irrational. There will be times when you’ll need to show more patience than you have in the past.

Identify your triggers 

Identifying triggers can help prevent confrontations with your spouse. Once you recognize those stressors, you’ll be able to develop healthy ways to address them rather than engaging in unhealthy habits like smoking, substance abuse or overeating.

Whenever you feel an emotional outburst coming on take a walk, write in your caregiver journal or listen to some relaxing music.

Provide emotional support

Although they may be putting on a brave front, on the inside your spouse could be scared, sad or embarrassed. In addition to physical assistance, give them the emotional support they need. If they’re recovering from an injury or illness, compliment them on their progress.

On days when your spouse needs a hug, give them two or three. Staying strong for your loved one will provide them with encouragement as they bravely carry on.

Hire a “personal assistant”

Another option you have is hiring a “personal assistant” from a licensed home care agency. That “respite” caregiver will be able to step in and provide the hourly assistance that’s needed, whether it’s companionship, meals, housework or another form of care.

Family Trusted Respite Care for Alabama Seniors 

Although caring for an aging spouse is highly rewarding it can also be stressful and exhausting. When you need a break contact Seniors Prefer Homecare. As a fully licensed home care agency our highly trained respite caregivers can step in and provide the nurturing your loved one deserves so you both can stay refreshed. With a focus on maintaining your quality of life and dignity, our compassionate caregivers can deliver in-home services like personal care, companionship care, household duties, dementia care and even 24-hour care.

For your added convenience all our family trusted amenities can be individually combined into an affordable package when and where you need them! To learn more about Seniors Prefer Homecare now, or to schedule a FREE initial assessment for a senior in Huntsville or Tuscaloosa, AL, today, please visit us at: www.seniorspreferhomecare.com.