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The Warning Signs of Caregiver Burnout
WESTPORT, Conn., August 9, 2006 – Millions of U.S. citizens
now care for older family members, in many cases providing the only care these
elders receive. So it's crucial that these family caregivers safeguard their
own health and prevent “caregiver burnout”—an
all-too-common condition that can take a heavy toll physically and emotionally.
Here is a brief list of questions that you can share with your
readers to help them recognize when they're in danger of suffering from caregiver
burnout:
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Have you withdrawn from close friends, acquaintances
and other family members? Do you refuse invitations and stay home most of
the time?
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Have you given up your favorite pastimes and hobbies
in order to attend to your caregiving responsibilities?
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Are you feeling depressed, helpless or irritable?
Do you cry easily or for no apparent reason?
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Do you get angry more quickly and easily? Do minor
upsets make you furious? Are you taking your frustrations out on others?
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Have you gained or lost a significant amount of
weight?
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Do you have trouble sleeping or feel exhausted even
after a full night's sleep?
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Do you get ill more often than you used to?
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Do you suffer from chronic health problems (headaches,
heart palpitations, etc.)? |
If your readers answer “yes”
to two or more of these questions, they are probably experiencing some form
of caregiver burnout and should consult a health care professional immediately.
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LifeCare's Successful
Aging & Caregiving series was created for
reporters who write about aging, adult caregiving and
other challenges of mid-life. Reporters may reprint
the information presented here in whole or in part,
with attribution to LifeCare, Inc.
If you would like more information about a particular topic
or wish to speak to one of LifeCare's Successful AgingSM experts,
please contact Michael Civiello, manager—marketing and media relations,
at 203-291-4170 or pr1@lifecare.com.
About LifeCare®, Inc.
For 22 years, LifeCare has provided people with customized care plans for all
aspects of their personal and professional lives, including elder care and healthy
aging, child care and parenting, education and personal growth, financial and
legal matters, and more. LifeCare's Successful AgingSM Services help
individuals resolve the full spectrum of mid-life and aging issues, including
adult caregiving, cognitive health issues, legal and financial matters, and
pre- and post retirement planning. LifeCare serves 1,500 client companies with
4.5 million individuals within corporations, health plans, government agencies
and unions. For more information, visit www.lifecare.com.
Media contact: Michael Civiello
LifeCare, Inc.
pr1@lifecare.com
203-291-4170
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