7.10. What Should You Do?

 
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Strangely Dr Ursusow wasn’t very popular as a stress management therapist.

 

Many experts agree that the first responses are the most important ones, so that you should be prepared to deal with this type of situations. Therefore, you need to:

 
   Accept that there is a problem
 
   Discuss the progress of the cared one with relatives or other caregivers
 
   Involve more people in the caregiving process
 
   Try to promote the relatives’ autonomy in order to encourage their independence (so that you are not needed 24/7)
 
   Plan in advance the management of conflict situations in order to avoid stress
 
   A positive attitude plays in your favour; it is essential to be optimistic
 
 
Besides, further important steps should be taken to alleviate theCSS and help to prevent health problems.
 

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Here are some suggestions to help you prevent or manage caregiver stress:

 
1.
 
Regain control
 
You must request information about the patient’s medical aspects and receive an appropriated training in order to assist them.
 
 
Learn ways to better help your loved one
 
Some hospitals offer classes about caring for someone who has a certain illness or injury.
 

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Find resources for caregivers in your community
 
Many communities have adult day care or additional services that can give you a short break from your caregiving duties.
 
 
Ask for help and accept it
 
Make a list of ways others can help you and let them choose the way in which they want to collaborate.
 
 
2.
 
Don’t forget about yourself and stay self-motivated
 
In order to take good care of someone else, we must first take care of ourselves.
 
 
Join a caregiver support group
 
You can share stories, learn caregiving tips, and get support from others facing the same challenges as you.
 
 
Organise yourself
 
Make to-do lists and establish a daily routine.
 
 
Devote time for yourself
 
Stay in touch with family and friends and do things you enjoy with your loved ones.
 
 
3.
 
Don’t be afraid to turn to professionals
 
Prioritise your routine, do not try to do everything on the same day, choose from the most urgent to the most important.
 
 
Take care of your health
 
Find time for doing any physical activity, make healthy food choices and get enough sleep.
 
 
See your doctor for regular check-ups
 
Remember to tell your doctor or nurse that you are a caregiver. Also tell him or her about any symptoms you may have.
 
 
 
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