We see you – We care about you – We’re here to help!
Being a caregiver can be exceedingly rewarding! As a caregiver a person may feel that they are needed, appreciated, have a sense of purpose and are showing love and respect for someone who is important to them. At the same time, it’s possible that they become so involved in being a caregiver for their loved one that they forget to care for themselves.
According to the National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, caregivers spend less time caring for themselves which results in fewer annual check-ups putting them at a higher risk of physical and mental health issues, sleep problems and chronic conditions such as high blood pressure.
It’s not always obvious when a person needs help. Watch out for these signs of caregiver stress:
· Feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or anxious
· Becoming easily angered or impatient
· Feeling lonely or disconnected from others
· Having trouble sleeping or not getting enough sleep
· Feeling sad, hopeless, or losing interest in activities
· Having frequent headaches, pain, or physical problems
· Not enough time to exercise or prepare healthy food
· Skipping showers, personal care tasks, brushing teeth
· Misusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications
Asking others for help may be difficult for many reasons. Aging Ahead’s Community Options Specialists are here to help! We’re available to assist you with assessing your available resources and support you through next steps at the county numbers below:
St. Louis: 636-207-0847, Jefferson: 636-253-0558,
St. Charles: 636-579-0555, Franklin: 636-629-3143,
or by calling 1-800-243-6060
For more: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving/taking-care-yourself-tips-caregivers
Source: National Institute on Aging (www.nia.nih.gov), National Institutes of Health
Comments 11
Shirley Wells
Caregiving is a loving but difficult task and requires patience and compassion. Support is not only needed but often welcomed. Thanks for this information.
Sandra Kruse
Easy to loose yourself when caregiving…..
can also be very comforting company…..
Daphne Phillips
I am a caregiver! As. the first paragraph states, yes, a caregiver can be rewarding, but…..when you care for a love one, with an illness. And often, yes, we, the caregiver, can forget about ourselves. I can say, I do, and have experienced some symptons listed above. To those reading this, Aging Ahead has help for you far beyond using GrandPad. Dietian Brooke, AA podcast with Anne and crew, Silverhaired stuff, Kerri. I could go on and on. I use what is available-free. I’ve learned, just listening and speakig with this ‘help’ can be rewarding. Oh yeah, I haven’t forgotten about you Erica and you too Emily. See I know these people. Let them help you too.
Brenda Morgan
Thanks for the information being a caregiver is very hard.
Kathleen Collins
Valuable information!!
Freddie F
care givers are angels
Carlyn Webber
Caregivers are God sent which makes it difficult for them to take time for self care. So often they have to be reminded.
Wright. Oscar. Sr.
Thany you for. thuth
jacqueline scott
thank you so much for this information.I have been dealing with a sick spouse and i am dealing with a few of these issuesbut have been downp playing them. i am going to do better,slow down and take time to care of my self.Again thanks fr he information
JACKIE SHELBY
Caregivers are saving lives and they provide a valuable service
Daphne Phillips
I would advise all to stream or go to PBS.org and view the program ‘Caregiving’. Actor Bradley Cooper produced this program that aired Tuesday, June 23, 2025. This program, yeah, it’s what a a caregiver goes through and seeing a man, Matthew Cauli, cry, yell, show his anger and use choice words-yeah, that’s how I feel too. This program shows how America’s government has not moved forward since Roosevelt was in office and when any progress is made, another political office comes in and destroys what little progress made. Sorry, got political. WATCH THE PROGRAM y’all!