KINCARE SUPPORT

CARING FOR YOURSELF WHILE CARING FOR OTHERS by Gail Mitchell Gallagher

Published in the July 2020 issue of the Senior Times magazine.

Click HERE to read CARING FOR YOURSELF WHILE CARING FOR OTHERS in Senior Times.

Grandparent caregivers receive many rewards as they care for their grandchildren, but many experience tremendous stress that comes with this demanding role. Situations can seem overwhelming and stress levels can rise, contributing to health issues, so grandparents need to be proactive in the prevention of stress.

It’s imperative that grandparent caregivers remain emotionally and physically healthy and seek positive strategies to help manage tension and stress when managing a home and the needs of grandchildren.

Researchers from Stanford University and Kent State University have given grandparent caregivers some healthy strategies for managing stress and tension:

-Trying to solve problems as they come up rather than avoiding them

-Making priorities and organizing your time more effectively

-Exercise

-Changing negative thoughts and attitudes with more helpful ways of thinking

-Appropriate use of humor

-Talking things out with a friend or getting professional counseling

-Religious or spiritual practices (e.g. attending synagogue or church, prayer, or reading religious literature

-Relaxation and meditation techniques

-Prescribed medications can help in some cases

The following are examples of some less healthy strategies for managing stress:

-Dwelling on the “negative” parts of one’s situation and being “down” a good deal of the time

-Not going out with other people or keeping appointments

-Not spending time with friends when you really want to

-Not calling people on the phone

-Taking feelings of frustration and anger out on others. For example, yelling, slamming doors, etc.

-Overeating or not eating enough

-Sleeping too much, or not sleeping enough

-Constantly blaming yourself

-Smoking or relying on alcohol or drugs to feel better

-Overspending or shopping for things you don’t really need

-Dropping your exercise program or not going on regular walks anymore

Taking care of yourself while caring for others is the best thing you can do for your loved ones.