Anita Ojeda Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:15 — 25.0MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Email | Deezer | RSS | More
Dr. Michelle Bengtson joins the podcast today to give insights into self-care for caregivers from a neuropsychologist’s perspective. Dr. Michelle has not only acted as a family caregiver, she’s been the recipient of care from a family member.
Family Caregivers Need Self-Care Hacks, Too!
Dr. Michelle Bengtson and I have a lot in common. We both blog, write, and podcast. More importantly, we both know the toll caring for an ill family member can take on a family caregiver. November, National Family Caregivers Month, we not only celebrate the unsung heroes of our healthcare system, but we want to provide helpful hacks to help family caregivers overcome the overwhelm.
You won’t want to miss this hope-filled podcast filled with practical advice. Dr. Michelle shares signs caregivers and the ones who love them should look out for during a caregiving journey. Signs that point to caregiver stress, burnout, or complete overwhelm. Family caregivers don’t have to suffer silently or diminish their stress because the person they care for has it so much worse. These self-care hacks for caregivers will help.
Show Notes
Signs of caregiver stress:
- tiredness or being run down
- difficulty sleeping.
- overreacting to minor situations that normally wouldn’t phase you
- new or worsening health conditions
- trouble concentrating
- struggles with memory
- low energy level
- drinking more, smoking more, or neglecting responsibilities that are normally prioritized
- cutting back on activities that you previously enjoyed
NOW is the time to start implementing some of these self-care hacks for caregivers. If you know a caregiver who exhibits these signs, share this podcast episode with them. Check out this post for ideas on how to support a caregiver.
Signs of Caregiver Burnout:
- MUCH less energy
- catching every flu or cold or illness that comes along (depressed immune system)
- exhaustion even though you’re getting enough sleep
- neglecting your own needs more
- thinking that you don’t have time to take care of ourself
- dissatisfaction with the caregiver role
- having persistent feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
NOW is the time to seek counseling or a support group. If you are a caregiver, call someone now. If you know a caregiver who has reached this stage, offer to make an appointment for them. Offer to drive them to the appointment or take care of the family member they care for while they go to the appointment.
Follow Dr. Michelle on Pinterest for daily encouragement. You can find her books Hope Prevails, Hope Prevails Bible Study, and Breaking Anxiety’s Grip on Amazon or any book retailer.
Come Back Next Week
Ready for the stress of the holidays? You know, the special kind of stress only family can generate? Join me next week when I share hacks for getting along with family over the holidays.
Best-selling author @DrMBengtson shares self-care hacks and wise advice for family caregivers on today's podcast. #familycaregivermonth #caregiver #selfcare Click To Tweet
