Being the caregiver for a terminally ill person is not
an easy job. Caregivers often have feelings of
exhaustion, loneliness, frustration, anger and more.
These feelings can be intensified if the person being
cared for does not recognize the caregiver or may be
too ill to speak or perform simple task such as
feeding. Adding to the already frustrating situation,
some caregivers have to endure behavioral problems,
such as yelling, hitting or wandering away from
home, from the person they are caring for.
Stress often accompanies the day to day demands of
care giving. Caregivers can experience the following:
   *  Feeling sad or moody
  *  Crying more often than normal
  *  Low energy level
  *  Feeling like they don't have anytime for themselves
  *  Having trouble sleeping or not wanting to get out of   
       bed
  *  Having trouble eating or eating too much
  *  Seeing friends or relatives less often than normal
  *  Losing interest in hobbies or the things they used to
      do with family or friends
  *  Feeling angry at the person they are caring for or at
      other people or situations
Just for Caregivers
888-206-9972
Hospice Care of America
With locations in Rockford,  Pecatonica, and Freeport, Illinois
These feelings are not wrong or strange. Caregiving can be very stressful and
thankless. With these conditions in mind, it is important for every caregiver to
remember that they must find ways to take care of themselves and stay healthy. If the
caregiver becomes sick, who will care for their loved one?
If you or someone you know is a caregiver and experiencing some of the above
mentioned symptoms, please follow this advice...
*   Talk with family doctor about feelings
*   Stay in touch with friends
   and family members. Ask
   them for help in giving care
*   Look for help in community.
   Start by asking home
   church or synagogue
   about services or volunteers
   who can help.