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Having a caregiver pain management plan or solution can greatly help caregivers reduce the amount of physical pain they experience during their work.
One Caregiver’s Journey, you will realize that giving care is a huge undertaking. However, the obligations can be particularly daunting for those who care for individuals, especially those with chronic pain.
Eleanor Gaccetta is the author of One Caregiver’s Journey.As a caregiver for a decade her book describes how she dealt with physical pain and discomfort during that time. Providing care for another person is a huge task. However, the obligations can be particularly daunting for those who care for individuals, especially when the caregiver suffers with chronic pain.
Caregivers shouldn’t be the only ones giving of themselves out help. Caregivers also need assistance from others, especially when dealing with pain and discomfort. This article discusses the challenges caregivers can encounter regarding work-related pain and discomfort.
Research Regarding Pain a Caregiver Experience and Caregiver Pain Relief
Weill Cornell Medicine researchers have produced the first nationwide estimate of caregivers’ pain and arthritis. The study shows that caregivers’ pain makes it more difficult to carry out essential activities when caring for someone.
The study recommends providing therapies, and assessing the needs of caregivers for their personal pain issues. Doing this could prevent increased medical expenses and enhance the standard of living for both caregivers and those they are caring for.
Unfortunately, according to Dr. Shelbei Turner (postdoctoral fellow in the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine), there is a shortage of research regarding caregivers’ pains and discomforts. The study aims to determine the number of caregivers who experience pain that routinely limits the things they can do daily.
Once we are aware of these pains, we can devise tangible solutions that will absolutely help caregivers.
Caregiver Burnout and Pain: The Chronic Pain Issue
Numerous disabling illnesses, such as headaches, fibromyalgia, back pain, cancer, nerve pain, and arthritis, are associated with chronic pain. Caregivers also experience fatigue and physical strain due to the lifting, assisting, and moving for the daily activities of caring for someone.
The consequences of chronic pain, and the physical and mental toll of caregiving, can be extensive and extend beyond the lives of those who experience it. Chronic pain sufferers may experience bodily side effects that are taxing to the body. These include stiff muscles, decreased mobility, low energy, and altered appetite.
Depressive, irrational, anxious, and re-injury-related fears are among the emotional consequences of chronic pain. The inability to resume routine jobs or leisure activities could result from such a concern.
This is where having a caregiver pain management plan or solution is very important. It’s essential for any caregiver always to be mindful of themselves—body, mind, and soul—so that they can continue to offer assistance to others.
Caregiver Self-Care for Pain: Tips You Can Apply
If you have the correct assistance and support, you don’t have to give up yourself to provide compassionate, effective care. This could lead to a more fulfilling experience for family caregivers.
Here are some methods you can apply to start taking care of yourself as a caregiver:
• Tip #1: Accept the Feelings You Have
Many challenging emotions, such as rage, anxiety, resentment, shame, helplessness, and grief, can sometimes occur when providing care.
It’s critical to embrace and identify all your emotions, good and unpleasant. Don’t punish yourself for having reservations or uncertainties. These emotions are just a sign of being human, not that you don’t love the people you’re caring for.
• Tip #2: Make Sleep a Priority
Caregivers are routinely deprived of quality sleep. Sole caregivers often live with their patients and sleep is often disrupted several times during the course of a night. Sleep is important and everyone should try to sleep for seven or nine hours every night. Create a calming nighttime ritual to facilitate falling asleep. Make an effort to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
• Tip #3: Don’t Let Your Health Down
Caregivers should maintain regular check-ups and health testing. Schedule an appointment with the doctor if you’ve been putting it off. Inform your doctor that you are a caretaker. They can provide recommendations in your routine to keep yourself safe and can recommend local or online resources for you.
• Tip #4: Give Yourself a Break From Time to Time
Seek assistance from a family member or friend, enroll the elderly person in an adult day care facility, or employ an attendant to help for a few hours each week. If you are a sole caregiver, try to find balance in your schedule to rest and recharge.
If you are a hired and personal caregiver, you’ll most likely be caring for a patient for an entire day. Take to the families and ask for days off and times you can get a break.
• Tip #5: Always Reach Out for Support When Needed
Consult a mental health professional for counseling, or speak with a trusted friend or relative. Join a caregiver support group in person or online. These individuals are aware of your situation and can offer guidance or recommendations.
Continue Your Journey Within Your Caregiver Pain Management
Remind yourself that you aren’t alone and that you are doing everything that you can. Taking care of their own well-being and health is a challenge for many caregivers. But remember to take pride in all that you’ve accomplished. The person you are providing care for benefits greatly from your assistance.
You can grab a copy of One Caregiver’s Journey at Amazon, Barnes and Nobles or Google Books. It is also available at www.onecaregiversjourney.com or click here to order the book today!
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