We’ve all seen it. Mr. H lovingly cared for his wife for the last several years. He seemed so healthy until the day he had a heart attack and died. Everyone scratched their heads and wondered why he died so suddenly. Researchers have found that the stress of caregiving can make people sick and even shorten their lives: Surprisingly, a few simple things can make a difference.
1. Recognize that you are caregiving. Researchers have shown that caregivers who recognize they are caregiving fare better. “Are you providing unpaid assistance to a spouse, relative, or friend who is ill, disabled, or needs help with basic activities of daily living? Do you help with rides to the doctor, shopping, meals, bill paying, bathing, grooming, dressing, walking or transferring to a wheelchair, housekeeping, managing medications, or arranging services to be provided by others? If you provide services like these, whether or not you live with the person you are helping, you are a caregiver.” Agency of Aging, Pasco-Pinellas County Florida, http://www.agingcarefl.org/caregiver/caregiver More information tomorrow.
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