Care of Dementia Patient: Caregiver Stress (Research Paper Sample)

Care of Dementia Patient: Caregiver Stress
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Care of Dementia Patient: Caregiver Stress
Introduction
Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease is a disease that involves memory loss. Caring for someone with this condition may be an intensely emotional, long, and stressful journey. Millions of people all over the world take up this task whereas in the United States there are approximately 15 million caregivers (Courtenay, Jokinen, Nancy, Strydom, 2010). Since there is no cure for dementia disease currently, and just little medical intervention for the symptoms, the care giving to a dementia patient is what makes the difference in the quality of life the patient lives. Nonetheless, at times, care giving tends to consume a lot of time, especially as the physical, cognitive, and functional abilities reduce over time, and the caregiver may become overwhelmed and neglect their personal health and well-being. This explains why approximately 30 to 40 percent of dementia caregivers face high stress levels, depression, or burnout. Arguably, all dementia caregivers will at a certain point in time experience anxiety, sadness, exhaustion, and loneliness. At this point, it becomes necessary for caregivers to seek help and support.
Stresses of Care Giving
When a caregiver is frustrated, of importance is being able to distinguish between what one has powers to change from what one cannot change. Frustration is normally caused by trying to change a circumstance that is beyond your control. Daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating may really frustrate a caregiver (Gallagher-Thompson, Tzuang, Au, Brodaty, Charlesworth, Gupta, Lee, Losada, Shyu, 2012). Though certain behaviors such as asking questions repeatedly and wandering around may be normal uncontrollable behaviors for people with dementia, they may trigger deep frustration to the caregiver.
Since the behavior of a person suffering from dementia cannot be changed, the best thing is for the caregiver to device ways to respond to such circumstances. For a caregiver to respond without excessive frustration, she/he will have to learn how to identify the warning signs of frustration, intervene to physically calm yourself down, think in a way that lessens your stress, practice to communicate assertively, and lastly learn to seek assistance.
Warning Signs of Frustration
Warning signs of frustration include headache, shortness of breath, knot in the throat, stomach cramps, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive eating, impatience, increased smoking, and urge to strike out.
Preparing for a Dementia’s Care Experience
The best way to deal with a dementia patient is to learn about the disease progression, so as to be better placed to prepare for future challenges, manage frustration, and develop reasonable expectations (Moyle & Murfield, 2013). For instance in the early stages, support can be given to the patient’s independence and self-care, but as the physical and cognitive abilities degenerate, then 24-hour care may be required. However difficult it may be to contemplate such a scenario, the sooner plans are set up, the more your patient can take part in the decision-making. Since long-term care can be very costly and stressful, it is necessary to explore all the available options early enough.
Coping with Stress and Burnout
Calming Down Physically
One of the intervention techniques for frustration is undertaking an activity to help you relax. This helps in objective thinking and controlled reaction (Gallagher-Thompson et.al, 2012). An example of such an activity is slowly counting from one to ten and breathing deeply and controllably. Another way is taking a brief walk or leaving the room to gather your thoughts. It is much better to escape the situation for a moment rather than losing control and reacting in a regretful manner. A smart way to excuse yourself if someone else is in the room would be to say you are visiting the restroom. Calling a friend, meditation, praying, listening to music, singing, or bathing may be other ways of relieving the stress. There are also some exercises that can play a major part in preparing the caregiver for frustrating circumstances. Try to find time and perform these exercises that have been proven to work at least for ten minutes on a daily basis: Sit comfortably in a quiet area. Breathe slowly and deeply and relax your body tension. While at it, imagine a secure and restful place, and repeat a calming phrase or word.
Seek Regular Respite Care
Since a caregiver cannot manage to take care of a dementia patient alone, it is necessary to approach family members, friends, or congregational members of your worship place to help so that you can take a break. In addition, seek assistance from support groups, volunteer organizations, residential respite care facilities, and day care programs. Slot frequent breaks into your busy schedule to attend to interests and hobbies, as well as take care of your health needs. Do not hesitate to seek professional care if you identify signs of burnout.
Get Moving
Not only does running keep you fit, but also emit endorphins thus remarkably boosting your moods. At least exercise for 30 minutes a day but break it into spans of 10 minutes. The exercises can range from outside jogging or walking, cycling to the store, dance to good music, or doing a DVD workout. A social outlet would be something like a work out with friends.
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