“Taking care of our human is so exhausting.”
Stage 1:
Facing the new situation
After the suddenness and unexpectedness of a brain injury, a single family member often takes on the role of primary caregiver, feeling responsible for coping with all that the new situation requires.
Stage 2:
Mismatch between demands and resources
Soon there is a mismatch between the demands of caring for the dependent relative and personal and material resources available to the caregiver. This forces the caregiver to make an overexertion that gradually exhausts the strength.
Stage 3:
Reaction to overexertion
At these stages the following feelings may emerge: anxiety, nervousness, sadness, mental and physical fatigue, irritability, stress and excessive concern for unforeseen events, aggressive behaviours, tension with other caregivers or loneliness.
Coping with Caregiver’s Stress:55% complete