When caregivers take on the responsibility of caring
for a loved one, we expect our lives to change. What is unexpected, and
often goes unnoticed, is the forfeiting of our own well-being in order
to become a primary caregiver.
Ask yourself the following questions. If you answer,
“Yes,” to any of them, you need assistance. Support groups, your loved
one’s social worker, your physician, counseling or therapeutic centers
and a number of other community resources can help you in providing
greater balance between your caregiving responsibilities and your
well-being.
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Have you stopped communicating with friends you had
before you became a caregiver?
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Do you lack time to participate in activities that
make you feel good?
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Is your caregiving role negatively affecting your
personal relationships?
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Have you failed to have a check-up lately or find
you do not follow the doctor’s recommendation for you own health?
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Does your loved one need, but not have, a monitoring
device?
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Has your loved one become abusive towards you?
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Have you noticed you are becoming verbally,
physically or emotionally abusive to your loved one?
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Are you drinking or taking drugs to cope with stress
or distress?
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Has your sleeping pattern changed since becoming a
caregiver?
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Do you feel you are not getting enough sleep?
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Do you refuse to let others assist you, or give your
respite, for fear something will happen if you leave you loved one in
another’s care?
© Today's Caregiver Magazine
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