WESTPORT, Conn., August 9, 2006 -- Millions of U.S. citizens now care for older family members, in many cases providing the only care these elders receive. So it's crucial that these family caregivers safeguard their own health and prevent "caregiver burnout" -- an all-too-common condition that can take a heavy toll physically and emotionally.
Here is a brief list of questions that you can share with your readers to help them recognize when they're in danger of suffering from caregiver burnout:
|
|
|
Have you withdrawn from close friends, acquaintances and other family members? Do you refuse invitations and stay home most of the time? |
|
|
|
Have you given up your favorite pastimes and hobbies in order to attend to your caregiving responsibilities? |
|
|
|
Are you feeling depressed, helpless or irritable? Do you cry easily or for no apparent reason? |
|
|
|
Do you get angry more quickly and easily? Do minor upsets make you furious? Are you taking your frustrations out on others? |
|
|
|
Have you gained or lost a significant amount of weight? |
|
|
|
Do you have trouble sleeping or feel exhausted even after a full night's sleep? |
|
|
|
Do you get ill more often than you used to? |
|
|
|
Do you suffer from chronic health problems (headaches, heart palpitations, etc.)? |
If your readers answer "yes" to two or more of these questions, they are probably experiencing some form of caregiver burnout and should consult a health care professional immediately.
LifeCare's Fast Facts is an ongoing series of documents created for reporters who write about aging, adult caregiving and how to successfully navigate the challenges of mid-life. Reporters may reprint the information presented here in whole or in part, with attribution to LifeCare, Inc. If you would like more information about a particular topic or wish to speak to one of LifeCare's Successful AgingSM experts, please contact Michael Civiello, manager -- marketing and media relations, at 203-291-4170 or pr1[at]lifecare.com.
About LifeCare ®, Inc.
For 22 years, LifeCare has provided people with customized care plans for all aspects of their personal and professional lives, including elder care and healthy aging, child care and parenting, education and personal growth, financial and legal matters, and more. LifeCare's Successful AgingSM Services help individuals resolve the full spectrum of mid-life and aging issues, including adult caregiving, cognitive health issues, legal and financial matters, and pre- and post retirement planning. LifeCare serves 1,500 client companies with 4.5 million individuals within corporations, health plans, government agencies and unions. For more information, visit www.lifecare.com.